News / Racism
Call for ‘courage’ after councillor receives hate-filled letter
The chairperson of a Bristol mosque targeted by a hate letter has called the act “an attack on the soul of our city”.
Addressed to Abdul Malik, the handwritten note contains abusive language and makes reference to far-right groups, including Bristol Patriots.
Malik described the letter, seen by Bristol24/7, as the worst example of hate mail he has ever received as a city councillor and faith leader, and said it reflects rising Islamaphobic and racist hatred in Bristol.
“The letter tries to spread fear, but our answer has got to be courage and community,” said the chairperson of Easton Jamia Mosque on St Mark’s Road in Easton.
Avon & Somerset Police told Bristol24/7 it is treating the incident as a hate crime and is putting safeguarding measures in place.
Abdul Malik is the chair of Easton Jamia Mosque, a prominent local businessman and Green councillor for Ashley – photo: Abdul Malik
Malik, who recently wrote in an opinion piece that racism is becoming more visible and aggressive in Bristol, has called for unity and strength in the wake of the disturbing incident.
“It makes it clear that people like me are being watched and hated for simply existing, and that we need to go back to our countries,” said the councillor.
“But it’s not about me feeling afraid, it’s about a community that refuses to let that fear win, and that’s where we have to unite.
“In Bristol, diversity is our strength, and I’ll never apologise for who I am or what I represent or what I do in the city.”
The letter was posted to Easton Jamia Mosque on St Mark’s Road – photo: Betty Woolerton
In a statement, a spokesperson for the police force said: “Police are investigating after an anonymous letter was sent to a member of the Easton Jamia Masjid in Bristol.
“The handwritten letter was sent in the post via the mosque and included references to far-right organisations and offensive language.
“It is being investigated as an offence of malicious communications and being treated as a hate crime.
“The letter was reported to police at about 3pm on Friday, and neighbourhood officers have since spoken with the victim and put safeguarding measures in place.”
The incident comes as the head of Muslim Women’s Network, Shaista Gohir, said she is “deeply worried” about the unprecedented levels of anxiety in the community, as government data shows hate crimes against Muslims are up by nearly a fifth.
Home Office figures, released on Thursday, showed recorded hate crime in England and Wales was rising for the first time in three years, including increases in racially and religiously motivated offences.
Anyone with information that could help the police investigation is asked to get in touch, quoting the reference 5225284752.
Main photo: Betty Woolerton
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