LONDON – Police in Scotland are investigating an Islamophobic hate crimeafter racist and anti-Muslim comments were found spray-painted on the wallsof a mosque Monday night.
The crime took place at the Elgin Islamic Centre in north Scotland around11:00 p.m. A swastika symbol was sprayed on the walls as well as otherracist and vulgar comments. Scottish police have described the incident as“completely unacceptable”.
“Well, of course we’re worried. I mean, if we don’t say that, then we mustbe fools,” Lansana Bangura, chairman of the mosque, told the BBC.
“We are worried. But at the same time, you know, you expect things likethat to happen.”
“But I hope it will not happen very often.”
Bangura said reassuringly that such acts do not break the bonds thatScottish Muslims have built with their neighbors and that they havereceived support and backing from the non-Muslim community.
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According to police, a white male between 30 and 40 years old with shortbrown hair was seen in the area at the time and they are searching for himas part of an investigation and have appealed to the public for information.
“Crimes of this nature are completely unacceptable. There is absolutely noplace for it in our communities, and a number of inquiries are ongoing toestablish who is responsible,” said Detective Inspector Martin MacDougall.
The inspector also reassured the Muslim community that they are in regularcontact with the mosque and that police patrols in and around the area willbe increased while the investigation proceeds.
