People from ethnic minority groups in South Yorkshire currently feel 'too scared to leave their homes'

It's after recent scenes of violent disorder at a protest in Rotherham on Sunday

Author: Chris Davis-SmithPublished 7th Aug 2024

A Muslim community leader in South Yorkshire has confidence that the recent scenes of violence & disorder across the country 'will pass in time'.

However, Ameena Blake says many of the protests - which have turned into riots - have left a lot of people from ethnic minority groups feeling scared to go outside:

"The feeling of course is of fear.

"We have Friday prayer coming up this week, where many Muslims will want to go to the Mosque to pray.

"So, there is a certain amount of fear around whether it'll be safe to attend the Mosque or not, because right now people don't know if there's going to be further violence directed towards the Muslim community in South Yorkshire.

"I've had a lot of messages from Muslim women who are concerned with regards to wearing a scarf at the moment.

"Many women are currently worried about wearing their Hijab or scarf because they feel very vulnerable going outside while racial tensions seem so hostile.

"This is a tiny minority of individuals though; they are the bad eggs in a very, very large community.

"This is not what British people are about, so Muslim's shouldn't feel frightened of going out and carrying on with their lives, because this is a moment in time & it will get better.

"As for those who're taking part in the violence, take a step back and consider whether this is the correct way of doing things, or is this something that's going to land you in a lot of bother?

"People are getting arrested and put into prison for this. Prosecutions are going on as we speak, and things are moving very quickly."

She attended a meeting yesterday with South Yorkshire's Metro Mayor - Oliver Coppard - & other faith leaders - following the violent disorder in Rotherham at the weekend.

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