North’s Muslims ‘facing increased antagonism since 9/11’

An academic at the University of Ulster has claimed that Muslims in the North have faced increased antagonism since the al-Qaida attacks on New York and Washington in September 2001.

Javaid Rehman, a law professor, said growing Islamophobia, manifested in racial attacks and opposition to the building of mosques, was caused by a misunderstanding of Islam among the general population.

An estimated 4,000 Muslims live in the North and Mr Rehman said today that they felt they needed extra protection and understanding due to growing prejudice.