‘No Dignity Shown’: Criticism Mounts After Muslim Graves Damaged in Hate Crime
The incident, which occurred in the Muslim section of the cemetery on April 13, is being investigated by Hertfordshire Police as a potential Islamophobic hate crime.
Gravestones and name plaques were damaged, prompting public concern and condemnation.
Asim Masud, a 51-year-old community member and part of the Friends Of Carpenders Park Cemetery group, expressed frustration with the aftermath. Speaking to local media, Masud said he regularly visits the site where his parents and other relatives are buried.
He said that despite assurances from the authorities, the damage remained untouched days after the event.
In his words, "There was no clean-up and there has been no dignity shown to the graves... They’ve told us it is an important issue, that it was hate crime... but they need to do what they say." Masud also stated that he had to personally clear debris to restore some order to the site.
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Brent Council, which owns the cemetery land, responded by committing to restore the area.
Muhammed Butt, the council's Labour leader, said the damage would be repaired promptly, particularly because the vandalism occurred in the section designated for Muslim children, which he said added to the emotional impact for grieving families.
Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson of Hertfordshire Police confirmed that patrols at the cemetery have been increased since the incident and that officers are engaging with affected families to offer reassurance.
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He also said that efforts are ongoing to identify and contact all individuals whose relatives' graves were impacted.
Police have appealed to the public for information, particularly from anyone who noticed suspicious activity at the site between 1 p.m. on April 11 and 5 p.m. on April 12.
Source: Agencies
