Met chief condemns abuse of Muslim officer who won policing award

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 23 Oct, 02:08 · Archive

PC Fiona Shaik Umar, the first hijab-wearing officer in her policing area, received the Outstanding Contribution to Women in Policing Award at the Police Federation Annual Conference on Wednesday. She was recognised for her 'exceptional commitment' to supporting female officers and improving representation.

The award announcement triggered an 'online tirade' of abuse, according to Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley. The abuse was racist, misogynistic and anti-Islam in nature. At the extreme end, someone created an AI-generated image depicting PC Umar with a suicide bomb.

Sir Mark told BBC Radio 4's PM programme that the abuse was 'vile' and 'horrific'. He noted that female officers and those from minority ethnic backgrounds are more likely to suffer online abuse. He also drew a comparison with women MPs, noting PC Umar's role as an operational officer working to protect parliamentarians who face similar threats and abuse. In a statement, Sir Mark said 'every career path is open to you regardless of whether you happen to wear a kippah, turban or hijab'.

How it is being reported

• Met Police chief blasts 'hateful, intolerant' abuse aimed at female Muslim officerThe Met Police Chief has condemned "vile" abuse directed at a female Muslim police officer who was awarded for supporting women in policing. PC Fiona Shaik Umar received the Outstanding Contribution to Women in Policing Award at the Police Federation Annual Conference on Wednesday. PC Umar, the first hijab-wearing officer within her policing area, advocated for the needs of Muslim women in policing to create "a more inclusive culture" across the service, the federation added. However, Sir Mark Rowley told the BBC PC Umar’s achievement had been met with an "online tirade" of racist and…GB News · 23 Oct, 01:41
• Met Commissioner slams 'awful abuse' of Muslim female officerSir Mark Rowley revealed that the award presented to PC Fiona Shaik Umar had triggered an ‘online tirade’ of abuseEvening Standard · 22 Oct, 22:28

In this story: PC Fiona Shaik Umar · Sir Mark Rowley · Met Police · Police Federation

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