A COMMUNITY group in Reading has discouraged members from taking part in counter-protests to avoid “escalation” amid rioting and protests across the country.
Reading Muslim, a network group for Muslims in the town, has released a public statement calling on members not to take part in counter-protests to avoid stoking further violence.
It comes after widespread rioting and unrest linked to the killing of three girls in a knife attack in Southport on Monday, July 29.
The following day, groups linked to the political far right gathered, throwing bricks at police officers as well as a local mosque, injuring more than 50 officers.
Since the initial unrest, protests have taken place in London, Middlesbrough, Liverpool, and Northern Ireland, among others, with many across the country devolving into riots.
Much of the violence has been linked to far right protestors as false claims that the perpetrator of the Southport knife attack was a “Muslim immigrant” circulated online.
Unrest has sparked a number of counter-protests and reaction from the public looking to counteract violence and hatred towards immigrants.
In a post to social media on Tuesday, August 6, Reading Muslim released the statement saying: “We urge all members of the public, the BAME, and Muslim community to remain calm and peaceful.
“During difficult times such as these, it is imperitive that we maintain a sense of composure and abstain from actions which might escalate the situation further.
“We encourage all members of the community to remain peaceful and to refrain from participating in any counter protests.”
It continues: “Our strength lies in our solidarity, and by staying united, we send a powerful message that we will not be divided by hatred or intolerance. Please remain alert and avoid being lured into provocations or disturbances.
“Reading Muslim want to reassure the community that we have been in discussions with the police to ensure adequate plans are in place to protect individuals, mosques, places of worship, community centres and institutions that support vulnerable communities.
“It is important that we trust the authorities to navigate this situation and grant them the space to work without outside interference.”
It urges members: “Together, let us continue to strive to maintain Reading as a place of sanctuary, peace, and warmth for everyone.
“By standing united, we illustrate the strength and resilience of our community in overcoming difficulties. We sincerely value your understanding, collaboration, and commitment to the ideals that strengthen our community.
“As Allah SWT tells us in Surah Ma’idah, ‘And help one another in goodness and piety, and do not help one another in sin and aggression.’
“Our beloved Prophet ﷺ told us, ‘Spread the greeting of peace, and you will be safe. Shamelessness is evil.’ Al-Adab al-Mufrad lil-Bukhãri 787.”
