A MUSLIM women councillor has been the target of hate mail using religion to “smear” her political career. Rania Khan has complained to police after photographs showing her without her head scarf dancing with a belly dancer were being distributed

EXCLUSIVE by Else Kvist

A MUSLIM women councillor has been the target of hate mail using religion to “smear” her political career.

Rania Khan has complained to police after photographs showing her without her head scarf dancing with a belly dancer were being distributed.

The photos, were sent to mosques in London's East End and to other other council members at Tower Hamlets and the press, with an anonymous letter.

Cllr Khan, 26, who normally only takes off her headscarf when she is with other women or male family members, was unhappy about the photographs being taken.

Those behind the letter were trying to smear her political reputation by twisting things, she said, and making out she is setting a bad example in the community.

The letter asks: "Is this the new face of New Labour or New Danger!"

Cllr Khan said she had "never experienced the kind of dirty politics" seen in Tower Hamlets anywhere else.

She told the East London Advertiser: "Men are seen openly dancing with women at public events, but this is never questioned or turned into a hate campaign."

The Eid party was held by Poplar Harca housing association marking the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.