European Union released a new report saying that Britain should consider regulating reports on Islamic terrorism because it says it is fueling a backlash against Muslims.
The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) says there was an increase in hate speech and racist violence in Britain between March 2009 and March 2016, which it tied in part to media coverage of Islamic terrorism.
The 83-page report states: “ECRI considers that, in light of the fact that Muslims are increasingly under the spotlight as a result of recent ISIS-related terrorist acts around the world, fueling prejudice against Muslims shows a reckless disregard, not only for the dignity of the great majority of Muslims in the United Kingdom, but also for their safety.”
“In this context, it draws attention to a recent study by Teeside University suggesting that where the media stress the Muslim background of perpetrators of terrorist acts, and devote significant coverage to it, the violent backlash against Muslims is likely to be greater than in cases where the perpetrators’ motivation is downplayed or rejected in favour of alternative explanations.”
The report “strongly recommends that the authorities find a way to establish an independent press regulator according to the recommendations set out in the Leveson Report. It recommends more rigorous training for journalists to ensure better compliance with ethical standards.”
The report was not an “order” from Brussels, as some British tabloids have reported.
