Police on guard over burkinis backlash
POLICE had to escort a group of Syrian refugees to a beach barbecue after they faced online threats in a backlash over women wearing burkinis.
Organisers were abused on social media after using an image of a woman in the full-body swimsuit to advertise the family day out.
They had written: ‘We would encourage as many women as possible to wear burkinis to show support to our Muslim women! Wear what you want! It’s a free world!’
Dozens of Islamophobic comments were posted in response to the invitation.
The North West Migrants Forum, which organised the event near Londonderry in Northern Ireland, said it was ‘concerned’ about the posts and contacted police.
Two officers were sent to protect 50 Syrian refugees and 30 others at the party.
Lilian Seenoi, director of the NWM Forum, called police when she received an anonymous message that read: ‘You can shove the refugees. Take care at Benone beach, we may be in the area.’ She said: ‘We are grateful that the police stepped in and made sure we could enjoy our day in a safe environment.’