Breathe
By Brenda Estefan
The United Kingdom is in one of the most critical situations in its recent history. British cities have become a battlefield where xenophobia, Islamophobia and hatred towards migrants have been unleashed at an alarming rate.
It all began on July 29 in Southport, where a 17-year-old stabbed several girls, causing the tragic death of three of them. This incident was quickly distorted on social networks, spreading fake news claiming that the attack was an Islamic terrorist act perpetrated by a Muslim migrant. The disinformation fueled a fire of hatred and racism that has led to violent demonstrations and attacks against Muslim communities, mosques and refugee centers. Faced with the facts, the authorities decided to reveal the identity of the perpetrator: Axel Rudakubana, born in Wales, of Rwandan origin and with no connection to Islam. But it was too late, the extreme right had already set its hate agenda in motion.
Since the attack in Southport, several cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol and Belfast have been the scene of violent riots. Protesters have caused significant damage and spread fear among migrant communities.
