A 21-year-old man has been charged with aggravated criminal damage targeting Muslim organisations across East London. Illia Bilyk, from Forest Gate, is accused of spraying offensive graffiti on mosques and a primary school from January 23-25 last year.
Buildings targeted in Leyton and Stratford
Five buildings in Leyton and Stratford were hit, including the Islamic Shariah Council, Al-Birr Mosque, and Noor Ul Islam Primary School. Bilyk has been charged with five counts of racially and religiously-aggravated criminal damage in connection, the Metropolitan Police said.
The incidents occurred over a three-day period in late January last year, with the graffiti causing significant concern among local communities. The Metropolitan Police have not disclosed the exact nature of the offensive markings but have confirmed they were racially and religiously motivated.
Police response and community impact
Chief Superintendent Rhona Hunt, who leads policing in the area, said: "We recognise that these incidents caused significant distress within Muslim communities across East London last year and that they continue to cause concern."
"Anti-Muslim hate crime and Islamophobia have absolutely no place in London. We are committed to tackling hate crime while supporting and reassuring our communities," Hunt added.
"We would encourage anyone with concerns, or who has experienced or witnessed anti-Muslim hate crime, to contact police and report it."
Court appearance scheduled
Bilyk, of Field Road, is due to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, September 17. The charges relate to five separate incidents of criminal damage, each aggravated by racial and religious hostility.
The Metropolitan Police have reiterated their commitment to tackling hate crime and supporting affected communities. They urge anyone with information or concerns to come forward and report incidents to the police.
