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18 Jun, 2016

Why are we so reluctant to label white attackers as terrorists? – Yasmin Ahmed, The Independent

We find it difficult to accept that white terrorist organisations are alive and kicking in the west. Some fringe far right groups have already advocated “militant direct action” in achieving their aims. Had a group of Muslims claimed to be specialising in “militant action” in the UK, surely the threat would be taken far more seriously, especially given the potential to intervene under our counter-terrorism laws.

We also appear to fall into the trap of humanising perpetrators of violence and terror who happen to be white. In the sad case of the killing of Jo Cox, the suspect has not been described either as “a terrorist” or a “possible terrorist”. And, if coverage of other shootings by white perpetrators is any indication, I expect this individual never will be labelled in such a way.

Read the rest: Why are we so reluctant to label white attackers as terrorists? | Voices | The Independent