MCS Condemns the Woolwich Attack
Muslim Council of Scotland has condemned in the strongest terms, the brutal and horrific murder in Woolwich of Lee Rigby, a soldier serving with the Britiah Army. The fact that he was killed by two individuals claiming to act in the name of Islam makes this attack particularly heinious, this horrendous crime serves no religion or cause.
MCS is particularly grateful that all Muslim organisations across the UK have been swift to denounce this murder.
MCS is also aware of the efforts of right wing extremist groups who seek to exploit this tragedy for their own hateful purposes. MCS will continue to engage with authorities and other faith communities to ensure the safety of all communities is maintained.
Edinburgh Mosques join to condemn Woolwich Murder
The mosques of Edinburgh joined together to voice their condemnation of the brutal murder of Lee Rigby in Woolwich. The meeting hosted at Annandale St mosque on Wed 29th May,was supported by Muslim Council of Scotland. Special guests included The Lord Provost and Kenny Macaskill MSP, as well as Police representatives and council officials.
First Minister meets with MCS on Hate Crimes Report
Muslim Council of Scotland held a highly productive meeting with the First Minister Alex Salmond on Friday 14th June at Bute House, in which he delivered a briefing on the newly released figures on Hate Crimes in Scotland. The figures pointed to a dramatic increase in anti-Muslim hate crimes from 19 the previous year to 80 in 2012/13. However, the First Minister stressed that a large percentage of the attacks were perpetrated at one particular event; a demonstration by the "Scottish Defence League" in Glasgow, where 57 charges were made. The First Minister also emphasised that the large number of arrests were directly a result of the "zero tolerance" approach shown by the police towards all hate crimes.
The First Minister also listened to feedback from MCS on the new report and noted a number of the concerns and suggestions fielded by MCS. These related to the low reporting of hate crimes amongst the Muslim community as well as the provocative nature of demonstrations held by right-wing groups within Muslim populated areas.
Join MCS
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- Find out the key issues that are emerging from local experience across Scotland.
- Help to take forward issues that affect the Muslim community in Scotland to Governmental level.
The Muslim Council of Scotland is a membership-based umbrella organisation, accommodating and reflecting the variety of social and cultural backgrounds and outlook of the muslim community.
It is an independent body working to promote consultation, cooperation and coordination on Muslim affairs in Scotland.
It is a non-sectarian and non-partisan body working for the common good without interfering in, displacing or isolating any existing work in communities.
It is a body that will seek to draw on the talents and specialist skills of individuals and the strengths of organised bodies to prepare the case for, and advocating, the responsibilities and rights of Muslims living in Scotland. Find out more