Bristol Mosque Hate Letter Highlights Rising Anti-Muslim Threat
The handwritten note, posted to Easton Jamia Mosque and addressed to its leader, Abdul Malik, contained racist abuse and references to far-right groups such as Bristol Patriots, Bristol 247 reported.
Malik, a city councillor and mosque chairperson, said the message was the most extreme hate mail he had received in public life and reflected a wider rise in Islamophobia and racism in Bristol. He argued the letter aimed to create fear, but the community must respond with “courage and solidarity.”
Avon & Somerset Police confirmed the letter is being investigated as a hate crime and that safeguarding measures have been put in place to protect those targeted. The force said in an official statement that the incident involved “offensive language” and “references to far-right organisations,” and is being treated as “an offence of malicious communications.”
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Malik has previously warned that racist behaviour in the city is becoming more visible and confrontational. He said the letter suggested that people like him were being “watched and hated for simply existing” and told to “go back to our countries.”
He stressed that the issue is not personal fear but the need for collective resilience. He added that Bristol’s diversity is a source of strength and stated, “I’ll never apologise for who I am or what I represent.”
The incident comes amid rising concern from national Muslim organisations. Shaista Gohir, head of the Muslim Women’s Network UK, said she is “deeply worried” about unprecedented levels of anxiety in the community as hate crimes rise.
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Government figures released this week show hate crimes in England and Wales have increased for the first time in three years, including nearly a 20 percent rise in anti-Muslim offences.
Source: Agencies
