UK Government Ends Funding for Tell Mama Amid Surge in Anti-Muslim Hate Crimes

IQNA – The UK government has decided to end funding for Tell Mama, a leading organization that monitors anti-Muslim hate crimes, raising concerns as recorded incidents have sharply increased.

The funding cut will take effect at the end of this month, with no clear indication of an alternative service.

Tell Mama, established in 2012, has played a key role in documenting Islamophobic incidents, supporting victims, and assisting law enforcement in prosecuting offenders. Over the past year, the organisation has received nearly 11,000 reports of Islamophobic incidents, confirming 9,600 cases, with a notable rise in online abuse since October 2023.

Founder Fiyaz Mughal criticised the decision, stating that it comes at a time when "the far right and populists across Europe are growing significantly."

He warned that more individuals would be affected and questioned where victims would turn for support.

Official police data indicates a record increase in religiously motivated hate crimes, with Muslims accounting for 38% of reported cases and Jews for 33%. Meanwhile, far-right extremist threats remain a concern, with recent reports of an alleged neo-Nazi plot targeting places of worship.

A government spokesperson stated that £1 million had been allocated to Tell Mama this year and that future funding plans would be outlined later. However, critics argue the decision contradicts the government’s stated commitment to addressing Islamophobia.

Source: Agencies