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Hate Crimes Targeting Muslims Soars in London: Report

LONDON – Hate crimes targeting Muslims in London has soared by about 40 percent in the past year, Scotland Yard figures revealed.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan warned perpetrators they face arrest and prosecution under a “zero-tolerance” approach, Evening Standard reported.

“London is a place where we celebrate, cherish and embrace diversity,” he said.

“I’m calling on all Londoners to pull together, and send a clear message around the world that our city will never be divided by individuals who seek to harm us and destroy our way of life.”

Muslim leaders and police said the rise is linked to the terror attacks London Bridge and Manchester Arena last year.

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The increase in attacks had “created a heightened sense of tension in Muslim communities,” Iman Atta, director of the campaign group Tell Mama which aims to combat Islamophobia, said.

“These attacks had ripple effects, triggering Islamophobic attacks and the large increment rise you have seen,” he added.

Hate crimes include physical attacks, damage to property, bullying, and abuse, according to police.

Meanwhile, Scotland Yard said the figures may not fully represent the “hugely under-reported” hate crimes.

“The Met has seen a steady increase in the reporting of all hate crime, particularly racist and religious hate crime,” Chief Superintendent Dave Stringer, Scotland Yard’s head of community engagement said.

“Despite this rise, the hate crime is hugely underreported and no one should suffer in silence.

“London is such a diverse and tolerant city, but too many still feel marginalized, or worse intimidated to go about their daily lives due to their race, faith, sexual orientation, gender or disability,” he added.