Muslim woman abused on London bus says niqab triggers daily harassment
Salsabil, 21, reports verbal threats and physical intimidation on 31 July in west London, captured on video
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A 21-year-old woman was verbally abused and threatened on a London bus on 31 July because she was wearing a niqab. Salsabil, who lives in north-west London, said the incident left her fearing for her safety. A passenger intervened after a man threatened to remove her veil and told her she was not welcome on the bus.
The abuse was captured on video. Salsabil said the man called her clothing terrorism and threatened to kill her. Another passenger stepped in, leading to a physical altercation. The bus driver asked the man to leave, and Salsabil disembarked at her usual stop.
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Daily harassment, rare reporting
Salsabil told the BBC she experiences Islamophobic abuse daily in London. She described being spat at, pushed, and verbally harassed, but said she rarely reports incidents. She previously reported a hate crime to the Metropolitan Police, but said officers were dismissive. She now believes reporting is futile.
Metropolitan Police figures show reported faith-based hate crime in London rose by 25% over the past year. Islamophobic offences increased by 31% in the same period. London’s victims commissioner, Andrea Simon, said Salsabil’s experience was not unusual. She expressed concern that victims lack confidence in police responses.
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We should never justify abuse based on how someone dresses. If a woman chooses to wear the hijab or the niqab, or doesn’t choose to wear any religious clothing, she should never feel unsafe.
Salsabil, 21
Authorities respond
Transport for London’s director of security, policing and enforcement, Siwan Hayward, said she was appalled by the video. She urged anyone who witnessed the incident to contact the police. TfL said it was investigating and maintained a zero-tolerance approach to anti-Muslim hatred.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said the force was aware of the video and was attempting to contact Salsabil. The spokesperson reiterated that no community should endure intimidation or abuse. The Met encouraged witnesses to report the incident.
What happens next
TfL is reviewing the incident and has not confirmed whether the bus driver or the intervening passenger have provided statements. The Metropolitan Police have not said whether they have identified the man involved. Salsabil has not indicated whether she will pursue a formal complaint.
Questions this report answers
+What happened to Salsabil on the bus?
On 31 July, Salsabil was verbally abused and threatened on a west London bus for wearing a niqab. A man told her she was not welcome, called her clothing terrorism, and threatened to remove her veil. Another passenger intervened physically.
+How often does Salsabil experience Islamophobic abuse?
Salsabil told the BBC she faces Islamophobic abuse daily in London, including spitting, pushing, and verbal harassment. She said she rarely reports incidents because she believes police will dismiss them, as they did with a previous complaint.
+What is the trend in Islamophobic offences in London?
Reported Islamophobic offences in London rose by 31% over the past year, according to Metropolitan Police data. Faith-based hate crime overall increased by 25%. Authorities have described the rise as concerning.
+What are TfL and the police doing about the incident?
Transport for London is investigating the incident and has urged witnesses to contact the police. The Metropolitan Police said they are aware of the video and are attempting to contact Salsabil. Both organisations maintain a zero-tolerance policy on anti-Muslim hatred.
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