A video showing self-styled Muslim vigilantes shouting homophobic abuse at a man in east London has surfaced online.
The footage, thought to be taken in Commercial Street, Whitechapel, shows members of group describing themselves as a ‘Muslim patrol’ harassing a man who appears to be wearing make-up, calling him a “bloody fag”.
In a similar video to one posted on YouTube last week, the passer-by is told he is “walking through a Muslim area dressed like a fag”.
“What’s wrong with your face?” they ask. “You need to get out of here, mate.”
The man is approached while walking through a dark street, and remonstrates with his harassers.
“Why are you bothering me?” he asks. “Who do you think you are, seriously?”
Gay rights charity Stonewall said: “This incident is yet another reminder of the homophobic abuse that gay people face all too often.
“We urge victims of all homophobic crimes and incidents to report them to the police and for the police to take action to protect gay people from these disturbing crimes.”
The police have announced they will be investigating the patrols further, and increasing their presence in areas affected.
“We have also been speaking to local community leaders and influential people, local businesses and the local authority about the issue and what is being done, and can be done, to address it,” a spokesperson added.
The East London Mosque has already publicly condemned the patrols.
A statement read: “These actions are utterly unacceptable and clearly designed to stoke tensions and sow discord. We wholly condemn them.
“The East London Mosque is committed to building co-operation and harmony between all communities in this borough. The actions of this tiny minority have no place in our faith nor on our streets.
“We will monitor the situation closely and our Imams will be speaking out against such actions.”
Police are appealing for anyone with further information to contact them on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Turns out most hate most others, why am i not surprised.
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Edited by kenworthy, 22 January 2013 - 06:52 PM.
