Ex-Police Chief Urges Treating UK’s Far-Right Violence as Terrorism Amid Escalating Attacks on Asylum Seekers and Mosques

Former police leader calls for worst cases of far-right violence to be classified as terrorism

Rioters have attacked hotels accommodating refugees, mosques, and Muslim neighborhoods, revealing schemes to also target immigration attorneys and charitable organizations.

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 3:

A former high-ranking police official has stated that the most severe instances of far-right violence that have occurred throughout the UK this week ought to be considered acts of terrorism.

Neil Basu, the previous leader of the UK's counter-terrorism force, labeled those who rioted at a Rotherham hotel accommodating asylum seekers this past weekend as "bullies and cowards."

He stated that individuals responsible for severe acts of violence and racial targeting should be charged under terrorism statutes.

Latest on UK unrest: Molotov cocktails and clashes in two urban areas

Minister for Courts Heidi Alexander stated that the decision rests with the Crown Prosecution Service, rather than the government.

She described to Sky News the incidents on the streets as "completely reprehensible, vile, and utterly unacceptable," including "racist assaults."

"The minister emphasized that their actions constitute dangerous extremism and outright criminality, for which they must be held accountable."

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Ms. Alexander was responding to statements made by Mr. Basu, who expressed to the Guardian: "Attempting to ignite a fire in a building occupied by individuals, whom you openly despise, constitutes a violent act aimed at both individuals and property, motivated by racial reasons and intended to frighten a particular group of the population, whether they be Muslims or asylum seekers."

"It not only meets the criteria for terrorism, it is indeed terrorism.

"This act is akin to a contemporary form of lynching, and those responsible ought to be sentenced to life in prison, rather than merely receiving a five-year term for violent disorder."

Mr. Basu stated to Sky News, "The incidents we've observed, including attempts to set fire to mosques while people are inside praying, clearly constitute what I consider terrorist offenses in some cases."

"Now, I am aware that those who follow in my footsteps will be meeting with legal authorities to thoroughly examine each violation."

"Establishing ideological motivation in cases of terrorism is challenging. However, this situation should serve as an alert to those considering participating in such crimes that they indeed are significant. It's turning into a matter of national security."

Protesters have been attacking accommodations that are sheltering refugees, Islamic places of worship, and neighborhoods predominantly inhabited by Muslims.

The unrest started last Tuesday in Southport following the tragic deaths of three young women due to stabbings in the Merseyside area, and has now extended to various urban areas throughout the UK.

The Chief Executive of NHS England has expressed concern that the recent riots have left numerous healthcare employees feeling fearful and alienated.

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Tell MAMA, an organization that documents anti-Muslim activities, reported contacting law enforcement following the discovery of "far-right threats" aimed at immigration attorneys and refugee agencies in over 30 locations nationwide this Wednesday.

Sky News has reported on a Telegram channel that has 13,000 subscribers, which identifies immigration charities, advice centers, and legal firms as targets for action on Wednesday.

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