People on Train Protect a Muslim Woman from Racist Attack

Passengers shut down a vicious verbal attack of a British Muslim woman.

Ruhi Rehman, a British citizen and a Muslim, thanked the public when they stood for her against a thug who abused her using racial epithets inside a packed Newcastle train. Her sister was accompanying her.

People on Train Protect a Muslim Woman from Racist Attack[/tweetthis]

According to 23-year-old Rehman, she was terrified after the man started a vicious and unprovoked verbal attack on her when she and her sister were sitting on the train. The man told others on the train that Ms. Rehman should vacate her seat, saying “this is my country.” Rehman is from Newcastle. However, her fellow passengers were repulsed by the behavior of the man and quickly came to the women’s rescue. They demanded that he should not disturb her. The incident ended with the carriage passengers clapping when the thug exited the train.

Ms. Rehman said that the man spouted anti-Muslim abuse towards her and her sister and told them that they are bombing countries and do not deserve to stay in the U.K. She said that even before she could react, the other women on the train supported and helped her. A large proportion of passengers walked over and spoke for them and were supportive. Rehman was happy with the support she received and said it reinforced her perception that the world is predominantly populated by sweet individuals.

Rehman mentioned that a woman sitting beside her began crying as she was disgusted by the comments the man was making and said to her that no person should go through this experience. She added that every person hugged her, making her smile. She also said that she hoped that people should understand that Islam must not shoulder the responsibility for the act of a single person as the religion is equated with peace and not terrorism.

Inspector Ian King of the Metro unit of Northumbria Police said that his force received a report concerning an alleged racist incident which happened inside a Metro train. The inspector said that the force will always take a tough stand against any kind of attack on any individual or minority group. He assured that this incident will be investigated by his officers.

Sharon Kelly, the Managing Director of DB Regio Tyne and Wear, the Metro operator, urged anyone who has information regarding this incident to contact police. She stressed that passenger safety is paramount and incidents like this will never be tolerated.

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