YouTuber Mohammed Hijab accused of stirring Leicester violence says he didn’t ‘mock’ Hindu faith
“There is a different reaction from the press when a Muslim decides to show or express themselves in political ways, than there is from other people,” said Mohammed Hijab.
Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
British-Egyptian Mohammed Hijab, who has a sizable presence on social media platforms including YouTube and Twitter, responded to the accusation of mocking reincarnation, a key tenet of the Hindu faith. “I wasn't actually mocking reincarnation in that situation, I was saying that if I believed in reincarnation. I have to offer my apologies to the entire community if it sounded like I was mocking.”
“Potentially you are right, I’ll give you that, maybe what I did needs refinement," Hijab told Channel 4 News Home Affairs Correspondent Darshna Soni.
Hijab, who calls himself a researcher of political philosophy and the philosophy of religion, added, “I think it's fair for us to say also that there is a different reaction from the press when a Muslim decides to show or express themselves in political ways, than there is from other people.”
The clashes in Leicester started after the India-Pakistan cricket match in Dubai on August 28 and escalated in September. According to police, nearly 50 people were arrested in connection with these incidents. Police, the local MP, Hindu and Muslim community leaders have called for calm to ease tensions.
When asked why he visited Leicester during the period of crisis, he claimed that he moved from his home in London to the city to "ease tensions".
“For two reasons, fundamentally, one of them is to actually kind of ease tensions and deescalate the situation. I wanted to let people know, the young people that I knew I had an influence on, not to break the law and this is very clear on the public record that I said this, ‘don’t vandalise things, don’t break the law’," said Hajib, whose online videos are hugely popular among young Muslims, attracting millions of views.
Asked if his trip to Leicester was motivated by the desire to drive more traffic to his YouTube videos Hajib responded: “Yeah, that's something I have to struggle with within myself to see what are my true intentions because as a Muslim, spiritually, I should be effectively doing everything for the sake of God. I have to manage my own inauthenticity just like I think everyone else does. Maybe the unconscious mind and the ego and the super ego are battling each other. But you know, I can't say much about that, perhaps you're right.”
“If young Muslim men, they feel alienated to the point where they can't even be heard, or that their side of the story is not even told, I think that is a pathway to extremism, unfortunately," the social media star was quoted as saying by Channel 4 News.
The exercise saw half a dozen F-35Bs from the Royal Navy facing off against a dozen Indian Air Force jets, including eight Su-30s and four Jaguars supported by an Il-78 AWACS aircraft. (Photo: X/@RoyalNavy)
BRITISH and Indian pilots carried out joint air exercises over the Arabian Sea as the UK Carrier Strike Group completed its visit to India.
The group, led by HMS Prince of Wales, ended its stay after a week in Goa and Mumbai with Exercise Konkan, the regular naval drill between the two countries.
The exercise saw half a dozen F-35Bs from the Royal Navy facing off against a dozen Indian Air Force jets, including eight Su-30s and four Jaguars supported by an Il-78 AWACS aircraft.
The mock air battles tested the pilots’ individual skills, weapons systems, sensors, and tactics against aircraft not usually encountered.
The Carrier Air Wing also operated alongside the Indian Navy’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, gaining experience on joint carrier operations.
Commodore Blackmore, COMCSG, said: “It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside our colleagues in the Indian Navy and Air Force during Exercise Konkan. The professionalism and camaraderie we’ve shared are a testament to the enduring strength of our partnership. Our time in Mumbai and Goa has been truly memorable – both vibrant and welcoming, rich in history, tradition and culture.”
Lieutenant Daniel Randel, a staff officer aboard HMS Prince of Wales, said: “Konkan has been a great opportunity to see how the Indian Armed Forces work. Working with both their Navy and Air Force has been a unique experience in my career so far.”
During the visit, HMS Richmond docked in Mumbai, hosting industry and cultural events and a football match with the Indian Navy that ended 1–1.
Lieutenant Commander Andy Hunt said: “Our port visit to Mumbai was extremely enjoyable. We were very well looked after by our Indian Navy hosts, it was especially rewarding to spend time with them ashore having recently operated with them at sea during Exercise Konkan.”
Leading Engineering Technician Nathan Knight added: “Visiting Mumbai has been a real highlight of the deployment for me. The culture and food in the city was fantastic and the football match against the Indian Navy was great fun.”
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