British Muslim convert reported to authorities by college for wearing hijab - Islam21c
Iman, 19, is a white Muslim convert. Her college suspected she may have been radicalised and reported her under the government’s counter-extremism policy, Prevent.
“I converted two weeks before Ramadan started and decided I was going to start wearing the hijab, so I let my college know I’d be fasting just to ease them into it,” she said.
“I guess that was enough for them to contact Prevent.
“Maybe they thought I was in [Islamic State] or running away to Syria, I don’t know what went through their mind.
“Obviously they were concerned, thought the worst and Muslim stereotypes were pushed on me.
“I don’t think they are doing that for people who become Christian, Hindu and Jewish – or atheists, even. Why is it just Islam?
“After I was reported I had a meeting with officers in which they questioned me about my views and beliefs.
“When they were satisfied I wasn’t at risk, they tried to recruit me to work with them.
“I can’t be a Muslim girl who is just trying to get an education, work and do normal things.
“I’ve either got to help fight radicalisation or I am becoming radicalised.
“There is no middle ground, I can’t just be a normal Muslim. I have to be on one [end of the] spectrum or the other.”
Published by BBC News
More than half of all Muslims in the UK believe government policies have had a negative impact on their lives, according to a new report.
A study by the Islamic Human Rights Commission found many Muslims feel they have been treated with suspicion and mistrust.
The report’s authors say the government’s security and anti-extremism measures, among other policies, have fuelled discrimination against Muslims in Britain.
Iman, 19, is a white Muslim convert. Her college suspected she may have been radicalised and reported her under the government’s counter-extremism policy, Prevent.
Divya Talwar reports for Asian Network and the Victoria Derbyshire programme.
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