Newport rally after Muslim graves desecrated

A rally was held in Newport, south Wales in support of the Muslim community after a number of Muslim graves were desecrated at the Christchurch Cemetery last month, the South Wales Argus reports. Unite Against Fascism Wales had called for a rally to bring together people from different groups, religions, cultures and communities and for them to show a united front against racism.

Mubarak Ali, secretary for the Islamic Society for Wales, addressing the rally said that he was sure the desecration of Muslim graves was an attempt to exploit the murder of Drummer Lee Rigby.

Last month, vandals used white paint to write ‘Lee Rigby murder’ and ‘white power’ on a number of gravestones at Christchurch Cemetery. They also drew Nazi swastikas and wrote the initials BNP, UKIP and NF.

Speaking at the event, Mr Ali said: “In the wake of the brutal murder of soldier Lee Rigby and the desecration of Muslim graves in Newport, we want to show extremists and racists they will not divide us.”

“The British Muslim community condemns the murder of Lee Rigby and it is despicable that Muslims should be held to account and suffer in this way.

“Muslims from this community have lived peacefully with their neighbours for many years, and we should not let this act divide us.”