A Muslim society held a meeting to discuss the “worrying” rise in hate crimes to mark the end of Islamophobia Awareness Month.
The Muslim Engagement and Development (MEND) society of Waltham Forest held a cross panel discussion with representatives from various faiths and backgrounds.
Suleman Ahmed, chairman of Waltham Forest Mend society, said: “There has been a rise in the number of cases of Islamophobia over the past year especially after the Brexit vote.
“It is worrying for everybody but especially for ethnic minorities and people who look different because they are being targeted.
“It is a horrible crime and we are calling for some action but at the moment I don’t think it is a priority for our government.”
The panel and audience discussed ways to raise awareness about race and religious hate crimes in the borough by educating people.
They also heard from victims of Islamophobia who gave accounts of their ordeals.
The meeting took place at Leytonstone Muslim Community Centre in Carlton Road, Leytonstone, on Friday, November 25.
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