Tag: Muslim Council of Scotland

Police Scotland update on attacks across Edinburgh last night (Friday 19 June)

YESTERDAY (Friday, 19 June, 2026), police received multiple calls from members of the public about violent attacks including, threats, robbery and vandalism across Edinburgh, with five people injured.

Five men, two aged 22, and others aged 24, 27, and 39, sustained a range of injuries and three required hospital treatment, however none of the injuries are life threatening.

A 36-year-old white Scottish man was arrested and there is no further threat to the public.

Counter Terrorism Policing Scotland is investigating, supported by other specialist colleagues and local policing officers.

The first report originated from around 8.50pm in the Sighthill area, where two men were injured. They were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary by ambulance.

Over the following period, reports were received about incidents around retailers across the West and North of the city.

During this period, three other men were attacked in the Telford Road and Leith Walk areas, suffering differing injuries.

Around 9.30pm, local police officers equipped with Taser confronted a suspect and, although Taser was not discharged, the man was detained.

The individual remains in custody and enquiries continue. Local policing patrols will continue across the area and our communities will see a visible policing presence over coming days.

Assistant Chief Constable Catriona Paton said: “This was a shocking attack and my first thoughts are with those who were injured and most directly affected.

“I want to send a clear message of support to all our communities that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate in a Scotland which is at its best when we stand together.

“Officers responded to multiple reports of a fast-moving sequence of events across Edinburgh before arresting a man and public safety was our priority.

“Extensive work is ongoing to establish all the circumstances. We are being supported by Counter Terrorism Policing and working under the direction of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.

“I want to thank our officers who responded with bravery and professionalism, and with a focus on protecting the public.

“I’m hugely grateful for the support and assistance of our communities and would appeal for anyone with any information to share it with police. We have established a major incident police portal.”

The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) has been set up to encourage members of the public to submit information directly to officers.

We would appeal to anyone with information that could assist with enquiries to upload it using the online form here: 

https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT26X17-PO1

First Minister John Swinney said: “I am deeply concerned by these incidents. There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country.

“I met community groups last week to assure them of the strong support of the Government.”

Prime Minister (at time of writing! – Ed.) Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: “Absolutely appalling. No one should face violence on our streets.

“The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. I will not tolerate this – he will face the full force of the law.

‘My thoughts are with those who are injured and I thank the police and the emergency services for their response.’

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood added: “I am horrified by news of the attack in Edinburgh.

“I am grateful to the police and emergency services for their bravery in apprehending the suspect and for their speedy response in attending to the victims.

“The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred.

“There is no place for hatred and violence against Muslims. I know it is not who we are as a country.”

Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch said: “People should be free to worship, work and walk our streets without fear. The attack in Edinburgh is disturbing.

Violence in our streets is bad enough but reports indicate some of the victims were targeted because they were Muslim. This is abhorrent.

“I am glad police acted swiftly. The victims and their families deserve justice, and the public must have confidence that the law applies equally to everyone.”

Council Leader responds to attacks in Edinburgh

Following a series of incidents across the city yesterday (Friday 19 June), Council Leader Jane Meagher has condemned the attacks and has paid tribute to the response of emergency services.

Councillor Meagher said: “I was shocked and outraged to hear about the appalling incidents that took place across the city on Friday. 

“I, and fellow Councillors, stand in solidarity with those affected by what must have been a deeply traumatic experience. My thoughts are with those injured in the attacks and I wish them a quick recovery.

“I want to pay tribute to Police Scotland, including counter terrorism officers, and other emergency services for their quick action.

“I absolutely echo the words of Police Scotland that there is no place for racism or faith-based hate. I condemn all acts of racist violence and disorder – there is simply no place for it in our city.

“Those in our Muslim communities may understandably be feeling worried and concerned. I want to reassure that we will be working closely with Police colleagues and other partners to do all we can to make sure that communities across the city are safe and supported.

“Edinburgh is a proud diverse and welcoming city – strengthened by those from all backgrounds, cultures, faiths and walks of life that live here. Incidents like this remind us of the need to stand together against racism and prejudice.”

THE EDINBURGH INTERFAITH ASSOCIATION HAS ISSUED A STATEMENT:

MUSLIM COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND CALLS FOR REASSURANCE AND COMMUNITY VIGILANCE

The Muslim Council of Scotland remains deeply concerned by the violent incidents reported across Edinburgh yesterday, including the stabbing of two young Muslim students in Broomhouse and attacks on individuals perceived to be Muslim.

We welcome Police Scotland’s update confirming that a man has been arrested, there is no further threat to the public, and enquiries remain ongoing.

We have sought reassurance from Police Scotland, particularly as mosques and community organisations host family events this weekend and members of the Shia community prepare to mark Muharram in the coming days.

We encourage communities to remain calm, vigilant and mindful of their personal safety, and for organisers to review security arrangements where appropriate.

Our thoughts are with all those injured and affected. We thank Police Scotland and emergency services for their swift response and continued engagement.

MUSLIM ENGAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT

Four people were attacked and hospitalised across West Edinburgh and Leith last night. Several are Muslims. Our prayers are with them – may Allah grant them healing and protection.

Police Scotland must treat this as what the evidence indicates: Islamophobic, far right terror. To investigate these attacks while ignoring a motive shouted aloud at the point of arrest would tell every Muslim in Scotland the law does not see the hatred aimed at them. We expect a hate crime investigation and prosecution, and we stand ready to support the families.

To our community: stay vigilant, look out for one another, report what you see. You are not alone.

Read Full Statement:

https://www.mend.org.uk/targeted-violence-in-edinburgh

STUC STATEMENT:

IAM Roundtable: Racism and religious prejudice “hugely problematic”

Islamophobia Awareness Month (IAM), observed every November, aims to raise awareness  about Islamophobia—fear, prejudice, and discrimination against Muslims—and promote  understanding, tolerance, and respect for Muslim communities.

IAM challenges prejudice,  fosters social cohesion, and helps ensure Muslims can live free from fear and fully participate in  society. 

Scottish Labour MSP Foysol Choudhury closed IAM with the Muslim Council of Scotland by  hosting a roundtable at Scottish Parliament this week.

This event reflected this year’s IAM  theme, ‘Seeds of Change,’ emphasising the importance of small actions to contribute to larger  changes and to celebrate the positive contribution of Muslims across the UK. 

This meeting aimed to raise awareness of Islamophobia and promote understanding and  respect across diverse communities. The roundtable comprised keynote speakers, including the  leader of the Scottish Labour Party and first host of the Cross-Party Group on Islamophobia,  Anas Sarwar, Dr. Abu Jaffar Moshan, along with voices from the community. 

During the roundtable, MSP Choudhury recognised the significant role Scottish Muslims have  played in shaping our society, making contributions to education, healthcare, business, the arts,  and more.

Mr. Choudhury highlighted the need to involve other Muslim communities in the  discussion, like Middle Eastern communities, and to engage with these new Scot communities  to work towards tackling root causes of prejudice.

Mr. Choudhury emphasised how current  world conflicts are impacting both Muslim and Jewish communities in Scotland and the UK. 

The roundtable celebrated community support by awarding a shield of appreciation to Assistant  Chief Constable, Shaheen Barber for his work with Police Scotland.

Linsay Taylor was also  awarded a shield appreciation recognising her work with Muslim Engagement and  Development (MEND) and Interfaith.

Linsay’s work was hugely impactful to Mr. Choudhury and  his work on tackling Islamophobia, as she spoke on the experiences of Muslim women and her  experience living in Scotland while wearing a hijab. 

The event also held representatives from Police Scotland, who spoke to their anti-racism  training work, and MSPs Monica Lennon and Mercedes Villalba. 

During the roundtable, MSP Choudhury emphasised: “One priority I want to highlight this evening is the increasing need to educate against  Islamophobia.”

No place for Islamophobia

Yesterday I attended the Muslim Council of Scotland’s rally outside the Scottish Parliament, to call for an end to Islamophobia (writes FOYSUL CHOUDHURY MSP). 

While freedom of expression must be protected, this should not be exercised in a way that incites hatred or acts of violence against others. It is unacceptable that anybody should be a victim of discrimination, prejudice or abuse based upon a protected characteristic. 

I felt it important to attend the rally to firmly show that I believe we should actively oppose, and try to prevent, this kind of hate crime. Minority communities should be confident about reporting incidents of hate and abuse to the authorities and be assured of the support they deserve. 

I believe that this starts with authorities and communities openly acknowledging the existence of hate crime and being dedicated to prevent and punish such crimes. 

I hope to continue raising awareness of this important issue in Parliament throughout my time in office and I encourage the Scottish Government to bring forward its new hate crimes strategy as a matter of urgency. 

The Scottish Government also needs to speak out against injustices that we witness against minority communities around the world. Similarly, acknowledgement of the lived experiences of minority communities and the effects of hate upon them should be taught and prioritised within the school curriculum and institutions such as Police Scotland. 

I hope that diverse communities can come together to call out hate speech and hate crimes against their fellow citizens, supporting one another so that our ever-interconnected world can flourish through respect, tolerance and togetherness. 

If you witness a hate crime, whether in-person or online, please report this to Police Scotland or a third-party reporting centre.

Stand against hate, both in Scotland and around the world.