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BNP’s Griffin gets Islamic ‘Oscar’
31/ 8/2004
Right-wing leader of the British National Party Nick Griffin
beat the home secretary for the title of the most Islamaphobic
British politician of the year award.
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, US President George Bush, and
French President Jacque Chirac were also named as the world's worst
'Islamophobes' of 2004 by a leading British Muslim rights
group.
The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) selected the three
leaders during their annual "Islamophobia Awards" to highlight what
they described as growing anti-Muslim prejudice.
Chairman of the IHRC, Massoud Shadjareh said: "It is with great
sadness that we reveal this year's winners. Sadly the competition
was extremely tough and we see no signs of this abating in the year
to come.
"On a serious note, the harm done by Islamophobia needs to be
evaluated in the light of recent history. Before every genocide
there has been demonisation, be it the Balkans, Rwanda or Nazi led
Europe. We need to break this current cycle before it is too
late."
The 'Islamophobia Awards' is IHRC's annual comedy event aimed at
highlighting prevailing prejudices using humour.
The spoof awards were held at the Islamic Centre of England, London
and the evening consisted of satire, musical entertainment and a
fundraising auction.
Bush got the top "Islamophobe of the year" award for his
anti-terror war, which the IHRC claimed was in fact a crusade
against Islam.
Chirac and Israel's Sharon were named joint winners of the most
Islamophobic international politician.
Chirac outraged Muslims last year when he banned the Islamic
headscarf being worn in public schools.
Sharon was included after another year of Israeli-Palestinian
conflict.
IHRC spokesperson, Inayat Bunglawala added: "Since September 11,
rights groups in Britain and elsewhere have reported an increase in
anti-Muslim attacks and prejudiced attitudes.
"Britain's leading Muslim umbrella organisation, the Muslim Council
for Britain, said Islamophobia was becoming institutionalised.
Ordinary Muslims have felt it through anti-terror laws which have
targeted disproportionately the Muslim community.
"What we are concerned about is that a generation of Muslim youths
are now becoming disaffected."
London's police were given a special award for, amongst other
things, disproportionately targeting Muslims.
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