Hundreds gather for East End discussion on Islamaphobia

HUNDREDS of people gathered for a seminar on poisonous anti-Muslim hatred organised by the Islamic Forum of Europe. The event was held at the London Muslim Centre in Whitechapel last night and the IFE estimate that it attracted 700 people to hear a

HUNDREDS of people gathered for a seminar on 'poisonous' anti-Muslim hatred organised by the Islamic Forum of Europe.

The event was held at the London Muslim Centre in Whitechapel last night and the IFE estimate that it attracted 700 people to hear a discussion about hate crimes against Muslims and the portrayal of Islam in the media.

The discussion also looked at ways of tackling extremism in all sections of society, including the far right.

Speakers included Dr. Robert Lambert, former head of Scotland Yard's Muslim Contact Unit, Oliver McTernan, Director of Forward Thinking and Senior Associate Fellow of the UK Defence Academy, Neil Jameson, Lead Organiser of London Citizens, Respect MP for Bethnal Green and Bow George Galloway and Conservative London Assembly member Andrew Boff.

The IFE president Musleh Faradhi said: "Islamophobia is an issue which we can't ignore. This is poisonous for this community. It will destroy everything that this society stands for."

He added the IFE does not support radicalism and those who support hatred.

The group was recently the subject of a Channel 4 documentary which alleged it had a strategy to infiltrate political parties - a claim it rejects.

It said it does however encourage its members to get involved in politics.