Elgin Mosque sprayed with racist graffiti
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A RACIST attack on Elgin Mosque yesterday is being investigated by Police Scotland.
The building on the corner of South Street and Gordon Street has been spray painted with swastikas as well as misspelt insults.
A spokesman said: "We would just like to inform you that the Elgin Mosque was subject to a vile act of vandalism with racist graffiti on the windows, front wall and the mosque’s sign.
"This occurred on Monday either afternoon or early evening. Worshippers were shocked to see such hateful act as they were going into the mosque in this holly month of Ramadan to offer their evening prayers.
"The police has been to the mosque and are looking into the matter."
Zafar Ali, who owns Buckie Furniture and Carpet Centre, has lived in Moray all his life, after his father, Nemat, came to Scotland in the 1950s.
He said: "I'm really disappointed. We all are. We didn't think things like that happened here.
"We always try and be inclusive.
"These people are Moray people. They're restaurateurs, drapers, traders.
"Islam is a religion of forgiveness, not hate.
"So we forgive the person or people who did this. Our prayers are with them."
In response to the attack, Richard Lochhead issued a statement:
The MSP said: "I was disgusted and saddened to hear of the vandalism at Elgin Mosque last night just around the corner from my own office.
"This is an abhorrent attack on our local Muslim community in this the month of Ramadan and it is more important than ever that we all stand together and speak out against such senseless and racist vandalism.
"I hope the Mosque can take comfort from the fact that the community is rallying round and uniting in condemnation of this mindless act with people volunteering to clean up the graffiti. I urge anyone who knows who may be responsible to contact Police Scotland."
