Britain: Muslim MPs sent suspicous packages

By Muhammad Mussa

LONDON (AA) - London police are investigating incidences in which Muslim MPs were sent suspicious packages and copies of the “Punish a Muslim” hate letter advocating violence against Muslims.

Rupa Huq, Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton, was the latest politician to have received a package that contained a noxious substance and a “Punish a Muslim” letter, copies of which were also sent to other Muslim MPs such as Rushnara Ali, Mohammad Yasin, and Afzal Khan.

Huq confirmed that two of her staff received the package and that one was hospitalized due to being in contact with a liquid substance. Her Westminster office where the package and letter was received has also been cordoned off by the police.

“Thanks for concern after suspect package received at my Commons Office. My staff have had the all-clear apart from one who is being checked out at hospital as he handled the irritant substance. Totally unacceptable for Muslim MPs to face this,” Huq said on Twitter.

“Specialist officers attended and accessed two packages. They have both been examined and deemed non-hazardous to heath,” said a later statement from the Met Police.

“The London Ambulance Service attended and took a man to hospital as a precaution. He has since been discharged. The incident has been stood down. Enquiries continue,” the police added.

Similar packages, described as containing low-level noxious substances, were sent yesterday to the three other MPs.

Speaking to the BBC, a parliamentary spokesperson said: “This is further to the two items investigated yesterday, both of which were found to be non-harmful, he police are investigating the content of the letters to identify any potential link.”

As well as investigating the suspicious packages, police are also investigating the “Punish a Muslim” hate letter, copies of which have been distributed throughout the U.K. urging people to attack and harass Muslims in order to gain “points.”

Tell MAMA, a U.K. group that monitors hate crimes against Muslims and other minorities, has reported that communities in London, the Midlands, and Yorkshire have received the threatening letter.