Scottish Government urged to tackle rising Islamophobia after 'wave of attacks'

The Scottish Government has been urged to do more to tackle Islamophobia following a “wave of attacks”.

Muslim Engagement and Development Scotland say they are increasingly concerned with the “alarming rise” in incidents within recent months.

On January 23, a 17-year-old boy, who can’t be named for legal reasons, was caught outside the Inverclyde Muslim Centre in Greenock, armed with weapons.

The boy was charged under the Terrorism Act and pleaded guilty to planning the mass murder of Muslims attending the place of worship.

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Police intelligence led officers to the boy who was armed with weapons outside the Inverclyde Muslim Centre, west of Glasgow.

Less than two months later on March 15, Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre was vandalised. Rocks were thrown at the windows and paint splashed on the premises whilst worshipers were inside.

A 17-year-old boy was charged in connection with the incident.

On June 16, a mosque in Alloa was deliberately set on fire. Officers charged a 36-year-old man in connection.

Another mosque in Elgin was targeted in April where the building was vandalised for a third time.

‘Muslims deserve to feel safe’

In the latest incident, a schoolgirl was allegedly racially abused and attacked as she walked home from school on Monday afternoon.

The teenager was reportedly approached by a man on Harvie Avenue in Newton Mearns and assaulted.

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According to the Newton Mearns Islamic Centre, the girl was returning home from when she was confronted by a man.

Following the incident, Muslim Engagement and Development Scotland released a statement calling for action to tackle Islamophobic attacks.

The organisation said “rising tensions” surrounding asylum seeker hotels has resulted in an increase of “hostility” towards Muslims.

A spokesperson said: “The Muslim community of Scotland deserves to feel safe and protected.

“We call on the Scottish Government, Police Scotland, and wider society to take urgent and concrete steps to address this alarming rise in Islamophobia and ensure that our communities are safeguarded from further harm.”

The Scottish Government says it “condemns all forms of Islamophobia” and understands the “profound impact” incidents can have.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We are committed to tackling Islamophobia and all hate-related incidents, working closely with partners including Police Scotland to ensure a safe and inclusive society for everyone. We would encourage anyone who has experienced islamophobia to report it

“We deeply value Scotland’s diverse faith and belief communities, including our Muslim communities, whose contributions continue to enrich our civic and cultural life.”