A Muslim woman photographed the man she said had targeted her and another Muslim woman because of their Islamic identity on a busy Central line train.
Speaking to Tell MAMA, she described how the man loudly said: “It’s so f**king hot, what the f**k is her problem? How dare she!” as he gesticulated his finger at her hijab from the opposite seat.
The abusive comments were repeated on several occasions until another Muslim woman, who was wearing the niqab, boarded the train.
He then said: “Oi, oi, what the f**k is this? This one is f**king worse than that one!”. He added, “come Mile End and Stratford, they’re all gonna f**king get off coz that’s where they all are.’
The Muslim woman also described how the man and his girlfriend sported bracelets which, in their own words, was ‘actually, a bit racist’.
She described the man as being white, who was in his 40s or 50s.
The abusive comments continued unchallenged for several stops until the woman departed the train, and she noted down the carriage number before exiting.
Tell MAMA reported the Islamophobic incident, which took place on June 29, to the British Transport Police (BTP) on their behalf.
Racially and religiously aggravated offences on Transport for London’s rail network have doubled in four years, following an investigation by the Evening Standard. The number of recorded offences in 2014/15 was 575, which then hit 1,143 reports in 2018/19.
The Central line was ranked third for most racially and religiously aggravated offences with 499 reports since 2014/15, the highest number of such offences, however, by transport line in London was the Overground network with 655 reports since 2014/15.
Tell MAMA continues to document how Islamophobia and anti-Muslim prejudice curtails the mobility of Muslim women, including the right to use public transport free from harm, harassment, abuse, discrimination, or violence.
Tell MAMA verified 103 reports of anti-Muslim prejudice, hatred, and Islamophobia on transport networks in 2017.
Individuals can contact the BTP via its discreet 61016 text service or by calling 0800 40 50 40.
You can get advice through our confidential and free helpline on 0800 456 1226. Or through our free iOS or Android apps. Report through our online form. Or contact us via WhatsApp on 0734 184 6086.