Anti-Muslim hate crimes in the UK have reached unprecedented levels, with a 165% increase in reported cases in 2024 compared to the previous year.
According to Tell MAMA, an organization that tracks anti-Muslim hate incidents, a total of 6,313 cases were reported in 2024, up from 4,406 in 2023. This marks the highest number of reports since the group began its work in 2012.
Assault cases saw a sharp rise of 73%, with incidents increasing from 99 in 2023 to 171 in 2024. Most of the hate incidents occurred online, with Tell MAMA verifying 5,837 of the total reports.
Offline abusive behavior was also significant, with 2,197 cases recorded last year. The spike in hate crimes has been attributed to major national and international events, including the murders of three young girls in Southport in July 2024.
The report highlighted how social media platforms and artificial intelligence have played a significant role in amplifying anti-Muslim hate. False claims that a Muslim immigrant was responsible for the Southport killings went viral on social networks shortly after the tragedy.
These baseless accusations triggered violent riots across the UK, where mobs attacked mosques and immigrant shelters. The actual perpetrator, Axel Rudakubana—a UK citizen born in Cardiff to Rwandan parents—was convicted and sentenced to 13 life terms for the murders.
Tell MAMA also raised concerns about AI-generated images being used to spread anti-Muslim narratives online. The group labeled X (formerly Twitter) as “the most toxic platform” for disseminating anti-Muslim hate, citing its aggressive language and targeted harassment of users.
Iman Atta, director of Tell MAMA, called for urgent government intervention to address the rising tide of hate crimes. “The rise in anti-Muslim hate is unacceptable and deeply concerning for the future,” she said. Atta urged social media platforms to take responsibility for the content shared on their networks and ensure that online spaces remain safe for all users.
Tell MAMA also announced plans for a new complaint platform dedicated to reporting Islamophobic incidents. The organization hopes this initiative will encourage more victims to come forward and ensure that such crimes are thoroughly investigated.
With tensions continuing to rise, coordinated efforts between government agencies, social media companies, and communities are essential to combat hate and promote unity across the UK.
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