We stand in solidarity this evening with Mr Rayaz and his family and on the eve of Ramadan
On the eve of Ramadan, Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE and her Executive Members Cllr Carleene Lee-Phakoe, Cllr Rev Cannon Ann Easter and Cllr Jane Lofthouse have issued the following statement after the horrific attack on Mr Mohammed Rayaz in Edgbaston Birmingham on Monday night when he was on his way home after Maghrib prayers at a local mosque.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr Rayaz who was viciously attacked earlier this week on his way home from his local mosque. He now has life-changing injuries and his loving family are devastated at such an incomprehensible act.
We are also appalled at this heinous act and know that our Muslim communities in Newham will be understandably concerned in the face of rising Islamophobia and hate crimes; as this incident follows a similar attack that happened by a mosque in west London last month.
Officers from the Council are in regular contact with local police who have been liaising with local Mosques across Newham and the Newham Muslim Forum to provide reassurance. There is a Policing plan in place to support mosques across the borough at prayer times; and Newham Council’s Community Safety officers will be providing additional support and reassurance to Mosques during this Holy month of Ramadan.
We deplore all forms of violence and discrimination to any individual or community because of their faith and beliefs. Our neighbourhoods must continue to be places where people, regardless of who they are, can feel safe at all times.
We stand in solidarity this evening with Mr Rayaz and his family and on the eve of Ramadan are united with the community of Birmingham in rejecting such hate-fuelled violent acts.”
Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, Mayor of Newham
Cllr Rev. Cannon Ann Easter, Commissioner for Interfaith and Interreligious Dialogue
Cllr Carlene Lee-Phakoe, Cabinet member for Crime and Community Safety
Cllr Jane Lofthouse, Deputy Cabinet Member for Equalities, Social Integration and Culture