Islamophobic Attacks in the UK Surge by 73% in 2024, New Data Reveals
The director of Tell MAMA, Iman Atta, described the current climate as the "most dangerous" period for Muslims in the country, warning that hostility towards the community has reached unprecedented levels, The Guardians reported on Wednesday.
Atta attributed the rise in hate crimes to the normalization of anti-Muslim rhetoric in political discussions and the widespread dissemination of the far-right "Great Replacement" conspiracy theory online.
She noted that extremist groups actively share strategies on targeting Muslim communities, attacking places of worship, and evading law enforcement. Some even offer financial incentives to encourage violent acts, she said.
Speaking about the situation, Atta described it as a critical juncture, emphasizing that the frequency and severity of reported incidents have alarmed her team. "You have families, and specifically women, saying they no longer feel safe taking their children to the park or going out alone," she said.
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Newly released statistics from Tell MAMA, which tracks anti-Muslim hate crimes and supports victims, indicate that 2024 saw the highest number of recorded cases in the organization's history. A total of 6,313 incidents were reported, marking a 43% increase compared to the previous year, with 5,837 cases independently verified.
The organization, which collaborates with law enforcement, highlighted a significant level of targeted abuse directed at Muslim politicians. London Mayor Sadiq Khan, former Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf, and MP Zarah Sultana were identified as some of the most frequently targeted figures.
Between 2012 and 2022, Tell MAMA recorded over 20,000 Islamophobic incidents. In the two years since, 10,719 additional cases have been reported, with 9,604 confirmed, marking an unprecedented surge.
The latest data reveals that assault cases increased by 73% between 2023 and 2024, while instances of vandalism rose by 60%, from 131 cases in 2023 to 209 in 2024. The most significant rise was in reports of threatening behavior, which escalated by 328% over the same period.
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Atta pointed to several factors exacerbating the situation, including the aftermath of the Gaza war, last summer’s riots, and renewed discourse on grooming gangs. She warned that the intersection of online and offline activities has heightened risks, citing misinformation on platforms like Telegram as a key driver behind last year’s Southport violence.
Recalling a specific incident, Atta shared that her team helped prevent an attack during Christmas, when individuals posted threats online, claiming they intended to harm Muslims. Law enforcement responded immediately, she said, preventing potential violence.
Source: Agencies
