British Muslims claim they are being victimised by police who, they say, are using their powers of stop and search to harass them in the climate of fear over terrorist attacks.
Lawyers and groups representing the Islamic community say they are receiving a growing number of complaints from people who have never been in trouble with the police but who report being stopped in the street or in their cars, or having their homes searched.
Some have been pulled over for questioning at airports or ferry terminals, and all allege they have been picked on for no apparent reason other than that they are Muslim.
See also “They showed disrespect for my religion”, Guardian, 29 March 2004