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Muslim woman speaks out on post-Brexit assault

Muslim woman speaks out on post-Brexit assault

Categories: Latest News

Monday July 18 2016

The Blackpool Gazette reports on alleged racist incident in which Muslim woman was racially abused and had a can of beer thrown over now leaving her too afraid to go out.

Rashida Begum, 33, was on her way to pick up her youngest child from school on Monday 4 July when she encountered a group of people walking toward her on the street.

She felt apprehensive on seeing but said she tried to “keep her head down” and walk past.

As they approached her, one person threw a can of beer over her with the alcohol entering her mouth.

Ms Begum, who wears a headscarf, told the Blackpool Gazette that the group “were all giggling and then the one of them then muttered something about ISIS.”

Ms Begum, who was observing the Ramadan fasts, said “The beer went in my mouth. We are forbidden to partake of alcohol.

“Not only that but it was Ramadan and I’ve broken my fast. It might be a joke to them but it is my belief.

“We live in a tolerant country and this should not happen.”

Ms Begum said that Brexit had emboldened racists saying “People with these views feel they have a voice.”

She added, “I’m just really upset that I’ve been targeted because of my hijab.”

Lancashire Police have recorded the incident as a hate crime and are appealing for witnesses.

Chief Insp Ian Mills, of Lancashire Police, said: “We stand together with all communities and will take action against any criminal behaviour which seeks to undermine society, especially where crimes are motivated by hate.

He said the force has a “zero tolerance for hate crime and hate incidents or any abuse. We take all reports of this nature seriously.”

Anyone with information in connection with the alleged assault on Ms Begum on Egerton Road on Monday 4 July can call 101 quoting log number 0926 or alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

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