More than 100 people took a stand against vile anti-Muslim intimidation on the steps of Islington Town Hall yesterday.

Islington Gazette: Cllr Rakhia Ismail speaks at the 'respect a Muslim' rally on the steps of Islington Town Hall yesterday, with Finsbury Park Mosque chairman Mohammed Kozbar next to her. Picture: Rebecca LonsdaleCllr Rakhia Ismail speaks at the 'respect a Muslim' rally on the steps of Islington Town Hall yesterday, with Finsbury Park Mosque chairman Mohammed Kozbar next to her. Picture: Rebecca Lonsdale (Image: Archant)

The “respect a Muslim” rally was organised in response to “punish a Muslim” letters recently circulated by bigoted trolls. The letters called for a national day of violence against the Muslim community.

Mohammed Kozbar, chairman of Finsbury Park Mosque, was part of Tuesday’s rally – with people from the mosque handing roses to passers-by as a message of unity and peace.

Holloway ward Cllr Rakhia Ismail, whose husband Yassin Hersi was seriously injured in the Finsbury Park terror attack last year, also spoke to the Upper Street crowd.

The rally was organised by Islington Stand up to Racism. Paul Holborrow, from the group, said: “It was a powerful statement by the local community against Islamophobia – and our determination to stand in solidarity with our Muslim sisters and brothers against those who seek to intimidate and divide us.”