20 September 2022

PRESS RELEASE

GLMCC is shocked and saddened by the reports of Hindutva extremist aggression towards the Muslim community in Leicester.

Videos circulating online show a mob of hundreds of balaclava-clad Hindutva extremists shouting provocative slogans as they march past mosques and Muslim-owned businesses in the Green Lane Rd area of Leicester. In some cases videos show physical attacks on vulnerable Muslims.

For over half a century, Muslims & Hindus have lived peacefully together in Leicester and so it is deeply worrying to see tensions rising in an area renowned for its diversity and harmony.

The recent spate of violence is being attributed to some newly arrived groups from India who have imported their racist ideologies, yet are oblivious to the hard work done by many groups across the city in creating cohesive communities.

No community should have to live in fear of attacks or violence, and we urge community leaders and the police to intervene in helping to restore community safety and order.

Finally, we appeal to members of the Muslim community to show restraint and to not take the law into their own hands. Extremists seek to provoke a reaction in order to demonise communities that are normally law-abiding and peaceful.

To report a crime to Leicestershire Police please use their website https://www.leics.police.uk/ or call 101 to report. 999 in an emergency.

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Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre
20 Green Lane
Birmingham, B9 5DB
Tel: 0121 713 0080
Email: info@greenlanemasjid.org

Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre is a leading UK mosque situated in the heart of Birmingham serving the community since 1979.  Operating from its award-winning grade II listed Victorian building, GLMCC fulfils its mission of inspiring, educating and serving through its educational college, outreach work, welfare services, international humanitarian wing, as well as its fully functional mosque which is attended by thousands every week.

For more information about or work and services visit: www.greenlanemasjid.org or access our Annual Report