Remembering Lee Rigby & His Family – the 22nd of May 2013
On the 22nd of May 2013, Lee Rigby was murdered on the streets of Woolwich by two young men who were looking to harm anyone whom they perceived was a soldier. Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale were found guilty of the murder of Lee and even at this moment of deep grief, Lee’s family stated that they wanted no reprisal attacks against others. We believe that this key statement helped in reducing some of the tensions that were present at that time.
Lee was a father, a husband, a soldier and a son. Yet on that fateful day, his life was to end because of the actions of two extremists, devoid of any care for another human being and whose actions also led to a backlash in hate incidents and crimes against Muslim communities. Within 8 weeks after the murder of Lee, over 30 mosques were attacked. Monitoring of such hate incidents and crimes took place through local police forces, the Association of Chief Police Forces and through the TELL MAMA (Measuring anti-Muslim Attacks) national project.
The Director of Faith Matters, Fiyaz Mughal OBE said:
“What took place on the 22nd of May 2013 also showed us that what we value in our capital and in our country, (the peace and ability to live free from fear), is fragile and needs protecting. Yet, even after such a heinous crime, we have managed to get on with each other and to maintain calm. This is unique to us in the United Kingdom and the foundations of cohesion have been built after decades of hard, dedicated and committed work from all sections of our communities. So as the 22nd of May draws near, let us remember Lee and his family and take courage and strength in the knowledge that we can control our futures together. Collective action against extremism of any form is one key element to maintaining that peace.”