A Dundee Muslim claims she fears for her family’s safety after her mother suffered racial abuse in the Overgate following last week’s Paris terror attacks.
Sehrish Mahmood was disgusted after a passerby warned her mother not to start attacking Dundee residents as part of hurtful racist insults hurled at the 48-year-old.
The incident left Sehrish afraid that the events in France could lead to intimidation against local Muslims.
She said: “I was born and bred in Dundee and have seldom experienced any racial abuse. However, in light of recent events happening outside of the UK, such as France, I am sad to say some individuals have become hostile.See also:Muslim Message Society offers roses of peace in Dundee city centre“My mother, who is 48 years old, was minding her own business shopping late Saturday afternoon when a lady pushing a buggy walked passed and uttered some hurtful and unacceptable comments, including: ‘Don’t go attacking us now’.
“Anyone, despite their race or religion, shouldn’t have to face this type of behaviour.”
She added: “What happened in France was dreadful and my thoughts are with the families of the victims.
“In saying this, myself or any Muslim should not be held accountable for the acts of people who have no values, no humanity and certainly do not follow the word of God.
“The normal civil people belonging to Islam just want to live their life in peace and integrity.”
Dundee Islamic Society president Bashir Chohan said: “Unfortunately incidents like this do happen. I heard that one person claimed they were going to burn our mosque.
“Last week’s events in Paris were dreadful. We condemn those actions.”