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As far-right riots and Islamophobic attacks spread to more cities on Sunday, fear spread to Muslim communities across the U.K. The unrest came after the fatal stabbings in Southport were falsely attributed to Muslims.
For the 5th consecutive night, riots broke out in multiple cities, including London, Liverpool, Manchester, Sunderland, Belfast, and Hull. These riots were triggered by a stabbing attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, where 3 children were killed and eight others seriously injured.
The suspect, Axel Rudakubana, a 17-year-old born to Christian Rwandan parents in Cardiff in 2006 and who moved to Banks in Lancashire in 2013, was charged with the murders.
Despite his age, which typically grants anonymity, Judge Andrew Menary decided to release Rudakubana's name, weighing the risk to his family against the public interest in accurate reporting.
Incidents of violence leading to multiple arrests and growing concern among Britain's Muslim community pose a significant challenge to the one-month-old government of Labour Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
It also highlights the influence of far-right agitators linked to soccer hooliganism at a time when anti-immigrant sentiment is gaining strength in British politics.
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British PM Starmer condemned the "thugs" for "hijacking" the nation's grief to "sow hatred" and promised that those committing violent acts would "face the full force of the law." However, he faces criticism for not engaging with British Muslim community leaders and groups.
"I guarantee you will regret taking part in this disorder," said Starmer following the contined violence.
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform U.K. party, also faced criticism for his role in inciting the violence after questioning the transparency of the incident. Robert Jenrick, a prominent figure in the Tory leadership race, remarked that Farage's comments were unhelpful.
On the other hand, Shadow Home Secretary James Cleverly was criticized for saying that Starmer's act of taking the knee had sent "completely the wrong message" to protesters, adding that there was "never a justification for disorder like this."
ROTHERHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 04: A protester gets arrested as riot police clash with far-right protesters outside Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, United Kingdom on August 04, 2024. ( Ioannis Alexopoulos - Anadolu Agency )
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - AUGUST 03: People gather outside the city hall to show solidarity with Palestinian people suffering amid war in Gaza as riot police take measures in Belfast, Northern Ireland on August 03, 2024. Fireworks have been thrown as two demonstrations took place in Belfast city centre. Anti-immigration and anti-racism protesters faced off in tense scenes outside the city hall. The crowds shouted chants at each other while police in riot gear were deployed. ( Conor Mcccaughley - Anadolu Agency )" alt="Far-right riots, Islamophobic attacks spread across UK, sparking fear in Muslims">
ROTHERHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 04: A protester gets arrested as riot police clash with far-right protesters outside Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, United Kingdom on August 04, 2024. ( Ioannis Alexopoulos - Anadolu Agency )BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - AUGUST 03: People gather outside the city hall to show solidarity with Palestinian people suffering amid war in Gaza as riot police take measures in Belfast, Northern Ireland on August 03, 2024. Fireworks have been thrown as two demonstrations took place in Belfast city centre. Anti-immigration and anti-racism protesters faced off in tense scenes outside the city hall. The crowds shouted chants at each other while police in riot gear were deployed. ( Conor Mcccaughley - Anadolu Agency )
Additionally, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) announced late Saturday that hundreds of mosques were enhancing their security following the far-right mobs' terrorizing of Muslim communities.
Zara Mohammed, the secretary general of the MCB, stated that the violence was a result of "unchecked Islamophobia," which is "acceptable, potent, and very real in our society today."
Mohammed acknowledged the government's condemnation of extremism, but criticized its silence on the Islamophobia that fuels it.
A large anti-immigrant protest turned violent on Sunday as far-right demonstrators attacked a Rotherham hotel housing asylum seekers, smashing windows and setting the building on fire.
The incident, marked by intense clashes with police and counter-protesters, saw protesters hurling objects at officers, forcing a retreat. Footage showed the mob breaking into the hotel and setting it ablaze.
A counter rally supporting migrant rights was also held, further fueling tensions. At least one police officer was injured, and authorities reported over 100 arrests nationwide, with more protests expected in various cities. The unrest follows the recent tragic killing of three young girls in Southport, exacerbating community tensions.
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