Vandals desecrate Muslim graves in Nottinghamshire, England

Rasa - In an apparent hate crime, several Muslim graves in a Nottingham cemetery have been vandalized in the wake of Tunisia terror attack, sparking condemnations from the British community.

News ID: 2888

Date: 05 July 2015 - 03:37

RNA - Nottingham deputy leader condemned the desecration of Muslim graves at High Wood cemetery in Bulwell as an attempt to “divide” communities.

“We totally condemn what has taken place at High Wood cemetery. This irresponsible act of hatred achieves absolutely nothing,” Nottingham city council deputy leader Graham Chapman was quoted as saying by the Guardian on Monday.

“We will be increasing security at the cemetery and, although we cannot guarantee solving this hate crime, the council will be working with the police to do our utmost to track down the perpetrators.”

Plaques and decorative lights on at least 10 plots were damaged on Saturday evening, a day after the ISIL-claimed deadly attack in Tunisia.

At least 27 people died when gunmen opened fire on a seaside hotel in Tunisia, according to authorities.

Distressed by the attack, Muslim families called for installing CCTV cameras at the Muslim graves to avert similar attacks in the future.

Described as "a despicable act", many relatives gathered at the cemetery to clean up the mess and say prayers.

Meanwhile, Nottinghamshire police stepped up patrols at the cemetery and other sites; as investigations went on to identify the vandals.

“Nottinghamshire Police has been liaising closely with the Muslim community in Nottinghamshire since the events in Tunisia earlier this week and we have been in close contact following the reports of these events this morning.”

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