Counterterror cops probe ‘punish a Muslim’ day letters

West Yorkshire police said in a statement. “We are stronger when we stand together as one and will not be divided.”

Tell MAMA, an organisation monitoring antiMuslim hate crime, said it was working with police.

“[The matter] is being treated with the utmost seriousness,” the organisation said. “It is essential that all letters and envelopes are kept and handled minimally to preserve evidence for the police to investigate,” the monitor said, advising recipients.

British Muslims, faith leaders, politicians and civil rights groups have expressed fear and outrage at the development.

“This vile letter campaign sent to Muslims across the UK has caused deep distress and alarm. We welcome the action being taken by the police to investigate this matter,” Miqdaad Versi, assistant secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Britain, one of the UK’s largest Muslim umbrella organisations, said.

“Sadly, it is reflective of hate against Muslims which continues to manifest itself alongside the rise of the far right. Our elected officials need to stand up and take action against Islamophobia in the same way they have taken action to counter bigotry against other groups,” Versi added.

Yasmin Qureshi, Labour Party politician and a practising barrister, said: “I’m shocked to learn that extremist cowards are distributing anonymous letters encouraging people to attack Muslims.”

Jess Phillips, Labour Party MP for Birmingham Yardley, said: “This is utterly unbelievable, if any of my constituents have received them please get in touch.”

“Understandably, this is very distressful, not only those who have received the letter, but also for the wider communities,” said Naz Shah, MP for Bradford West in West Yorkshire.

The head of counterterror policing in the northeast of England, Russ Foster, “has provided reassurance that a thorough and professional investigation is well under way and urges any further victims receiving any such communication to report the matter to the police”, Shah said. — AFP DURBAN — Former president Jacob Zuma was present at a church service at the KwaMashu Christian Centre, in the north of Durban, yesterday morning.

His visit to the church forms part of the ANC’s voter registration drive, which kicked off last weekend.

Zuma, who resigned a day after the ANC NEC decided to recall him in February, had promised that he would be part of his party’s election campaigns even after the recall.

There were loud ululations and cheers from the congregation when Bishop Nicholas Mzimela formally introduced Zuma.

He was accompanied by ANC KZN Provincial Interim Committee (PIC) coordinator Sihle Zikalala.

Addressing the congregation, Zuma said: “We decided to start here in church to gain strength as we would be embarking on a voter registration drive the whole day.”

He also encouraged church members to register to vote. “If those who believe vote for us, then we know we’re blessed,” he said.

Zuma was also expected to do a walkabout and blitz at the township’s Bridge City shopping centre, and conduct a door-to-door campaign at H section.

On Saturday, Zuma spent the day campaigning for the ANC in Nkandla and Empangeni, in northern KZN.

The KZN ANC said the campaign wanted to encourage first-time voters, primarily the youth, to register, and those who are registered, to check and confirm their registration details ahead of the 2019 national elections. — Sapa