'Muslims making headlines' debate

Delegates will debate media coverage since September 11

The way the media has treated Islam since the 11 September attacks on the US is to be debated by journalists, Muslim groups and academics.

Delegates at a conference at Leicester University will also examine how stories are selected and links made between terrorism and Islam in the UK.

Several surveys since the attacks have suggested growing anti-Muslim feeling.

The university's Richard Bonney has warned against ignoring the views of the "silent majority" of Muslims.

"This is a matter of interest to journalists, Muslims and the wider community," Professor Bonney said.

Muslims should be able to feel that in the media not everybody is against them Ataullah Siddiqui Islamic Foundation

"It cannot be denied that terrorists use Islamic teachings or interpretations for their acts but does this necessarily mean that Islam has promoted and encouraged these acts?" he said.

Wednesday's conference would also feature a discussion on ways of getting more publicity for the views of the "silent majority", Professor Bonney added.

"If these views are ignored, or viewed as not 'newsworthy' then a biased picture may emerge which in turn could lead to the increase of Islamophobia in Britain," he said.

'Concerned'

Last December, a study by the Islamic Human Rights Commission found 80% of respondents had suffered discrimination compared to 35% and 45% in 1999 and 2000 respectively.

The director of one of the Muslim groups attending Wednesday's conference said the event was timely given the amount of attention currently devoted to Muslims.

Ataullah Siddiqui, of the Islamic Foundation's academic institute, said issues such as the war in Iraq, the new anti-terrorism law and proposed religious discrimination law meant Muslims were constantly in the news.

"All those things are making Muslims the headline so Muslims should be involved in any discussions which will be important not only for the media but also for the community.

"Muslims should be able to feel that in the media not everybody is against them. There are people who are really concerned about them and are also taking note of the community's needs," Dr Siddiqui said.