Teen, 17, charged with hate crime after Aberdeen mosque attacked with paint and rocks

A teenager has been charged with a hate crime after a mosque was attacked with rocks on Saturday night as worshippers gathered inside.

Emergency services were called to the Spittal after receiving reports of the Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre being vandalised.

Officers have arrested and charged a 17-year-old in connection with a hate crime following the incident.

He has been released on an undertaking and is due in court at a later date.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Following an investigation into reports of vandalism at a Mosque in Spittal, Aberdeen, officers have arrested and charged a 17-year-old male. The incident occurred on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Police are treating the incident as a hate crime.

Members of the public assisted with the clean up operation. Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre

“The male has been released on an undertaking and will appear at court at a later date.”

Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre has condemned the vandalism as “wilful and despicable”.

White paint was thrown at the door and pavement area outside the building before a rock was thrown through at a window a few hours later.

Nobody was hurt, but those in the building were left shaken.

A spokesperson said: “The rock went through the window and shattered. Everybody was fine but people are a bit shaken.

“It happened at around 9pm while prayers were going on.”

In a joint statement on social media the Mosque and Islamic Centre thanked those who offered support in the aftermath.

A spokesperson said: “Following these attacks on the mosque kind neighbours and worshippers united to help clean up the mess, whilst others sent messages of support. We are very grateful to our neighbours and wellwishers in these difficult times.

“The wilful and despicable criminal acts have been reported to the police and they are investigating the source of the attacks.”

They added: “The Mosques in Aberdeen would like to assure all members of the community that in light of these incidents, all the Mosques are taking additional security measures as well as being assured of support from the police.

“The police will be performing additional patrols around the mosques during prayer and other busy times.

“We would ask all attendees and worshippers to please be alert and remain vigilant, however do not be alarmed and continue with your efforts and prayers to gain maximum benefits from this blessed month of Ramadan.”