UK premier condemns targeting of Muslim lawmakers

By Muhammad Mussa

LONDON

Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday condemned the targeting of Muslim lawmakers who were sent noxious packages and copies of a Islamophobic “Punish a Muslim” letter.

Addressing the House of Commons during the weekly Prime Minister’s Question Time in London, May said: “Mr. Speaker, members will also have seen reports of a number of suspicious packages targeting Muslim members.

“I’m sure the whole house will join me in condemning this unacceptable and abhorrent behaviour which has no place in our society.

“I can tell the House that an investigation is underway and steps are being taken to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

In the last two days, four high profile Muslim MPs received suspicious packages that contained noxious substance, according to police.

One staff member was also hospitalized after coming into contact with the substance and the MPs offices were later cordoned off by police.

The “Punish a Muslim” Islamophobic letters advocated violence against Muslims and mentioned a points-based reward system for hurting followers of Islam; it was distributed throughout the country among many communities in London, the Midlands and Yorkshire.