Vandalism of Muslim graves in London investigated as Islamophobic hate crime

The vandalism of over 80 Muslim graves, mainly belonging to babies and infants, is now being treated as an Islamophobic hate crime, the leader of Brent Council revealed to The New Arab.

The Muslim section of Carpenders Park Lawn Cemetery in Watford was targeted, with plaques removed from graves and scattered on the ground last week.

Counsellor Muhammed Butt, the leader of Brent Council told The New Arab on Wednesday: "Yesterday I visited the cemetery to talk to the grieving families. Understandably, they are in shock."

"Hertfordshire Police are investigating and have confirmed that they are treating this as an Islamophobic hate crime…there is absolutely no place for hate or discrimination of any kind anywhere, but particularly in London – a city where everyone is welcome, and where our diversity is one of our greatest strengths," he continued.

He further confirmed that Brent council "will reinstate the damaged name plaques and return Carpenders Park Lawn cemetery to a peaceful, quiet place of remembrance for families as quickly as possible, once the Police have finished their investigation".

Some of the affected families have raised concerns that Brent Council did not reach out to them to inform them of the vandalism, leaving them to find out through social media.

Brent Council's communications correspondent responded to the concerns, telling The New Arab: "We are assisting Hertfordshire Constabulary identify the families of those whose graves have been affected. Hertfordshire Constabulary will make initial contact as this is an ongoing Police investigation".

"Given the number of graves involved, and the fact that many of the families affected may no longer live locally, this is taking time, but we have made good progress and will continue to be compassionate in our work," a statement from them added. 

Call for protection guarantees 

One of the mothers affected by the incident, Alicia Hussain, issued a statement urging the police to investigate it as a hate crime, after a police chief said "at this stage, we are keeping an open mind as to the nature of this incident and in the coming days we will continue to engage with our Muslim communities to provide support and reassurance".

Hussain said: "The fact that this vile act seems to have targeted only the Muslim section raises disturbing questions. Was this a hate crime? And if so, how will it be handled? How can anyone stoop so low as to attack the final resting place of babies?"

The mother further called on the council and authorities to guarantee that such incidents will not happen again: "I need to know what measures will be taken to ensure this never happens again. How will families be notified in future if anything happens in that sacred space?"

"What protections will be put in place, and how will the Muslim community be reassured that our children’s resting places will be treated with the respect they deserve," she continued.

She hit out at the council, saying: "Brent council who own that cemetery are useless and will never take accountability or comfort those that have been effected, they didn't even have the decency to call and notify families."

A follow up statement from Wadi Funeralcare to The New Arab states: "We were first alerted by a bereaved family whom we had recently supported in burying their loved one at the site. Their pain and anguish were deeply felt by all of us".

They added that they remain in close contact with affected families and authorities and are further monitoring the situation.

The Muslim Council of Britain this week said the incident "appears to be an Islamophobic attack".

"We urge that this be met with the full weight of accountability - and formally recognised for what it is: a targeted act of hate," they added, noting that the Muslim community needs reassurance that such acts will not be ignored.