Scottish counter-terrorism police have launched an investigation into a series of violent attacks in Edinburgh that left five Muslim men injured, in what authorities believe may have been motivated by anti-Muslim hatred.
The incidents occurred on June 19, involving victims aged between 22 and 36. According to police, three of the five men required hospital treatment for injuries, though not life-threatening.
A 36-year-old white Scottish man was arrested in connection with multiple offences, including threats, robbery, and vandalism. The suspect was allegedly heard making anti-Muslim remarks, claiming he was ‘protecting the country’ from Muslims and using inflammatory language directed at the community.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer strongly condemned the attacks, describing them as ‘absolutely appalling’.He said the suspect appeared to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred and vowed that he would face ‘the full force of the law’.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney also expressed concern over the incidents, stating that there is ‘no place for violence, racism or intolerance’ in Scotland.
The attacks have drawn condemnation from Muslim organisations and civil rights groups. The Muslim Council of Britain described the violence as a direct consequence of political rhetoric that demonises minority communities.
The Muslim Engagement and Development called on authorities to treat the attacks as ‘Islamophobic, far-right terror’.