Anger after Anti-Islam leaflets delivered to homes in Belfast

By David Hunter

There's been widespread condemnation after anti Islam leaflets were distributed in parts of South and East Belfast.

A group calling itself 'Generation Sparta' delivered them to local homes asking people to resist islam.

The Muslim community is said to be distressed by the messages in the wake of a number of racist attacks. 

The leaflets are believed to have been delivered on Monday and Tuesday of this week in a number of properties. 

A spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed the force is investigating, and is treating the incident as a hate crime.

They said: "We are treating this as a hate incident at present and we are making a number of enquiries.

"The PSNI continues to make it clear that hate crime, in any form, is unacceptable." 

MLA Mairtín Ó Muilleoir said “A leaflet circulating across parts of our city is targeting our Muslim citizens for racial hatred.

“It also targets Sinn Féin for our commitment towards a diverse, inclusive and pluralist society.

“Those racist elements behind this anti-Muslim and fascist propaganda intend only to stoke fear, hatred and division amongst the people of our shared city.

"I have reached out to Muslim community leaders in South Belfast in an attempt to allay any concerns raised by this incident.

“We all have a responsibility to show solidarity and compassion with our Muslim brothers and sisters in the face of this callous bigotry.”

Ulster Unionist Councillor, Alderman Chris McGimpsey, said: “This behaviour is completely unwanted and does not reflect the people of the lower Ravenhill Road area.

“This is a community in which people live in harmony with their neighbours, and there is simply no excuse for anyone to come in and seek to create division or stoke up tension.  

“This country has had more than enough of conflict and we are all now working towards a shared future and a peaceful society.

"This appears to be a scary prospect for some people who seem to want to create and exploit division, but they are the ones who are not wanted or needed.

"Whoever is behind this leaflet needs to stop what they are doing, back off and leave the community in peace.”