'Stop Islamophobia' conference

This comes via a Stop the War circular:

DEFEND THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY: a one day conference
SATURDAY 5 JUNE, 10am to 5pm Camden Centre, London WC1H 9JE

Called by Stop the War Coalition and British Muslim Initiative.

Muslims are under attack in this country as never before. Government policies and the media combine to create an atmosphere in which all Muslims are portrayed as reactionary and anti-western. Young Muslims in particular are subject to surveillance in colleges, schools and mosques in the name of combating "extremism". Those who exercise their right to demonstrate peacefully have been subject to arrest and heavy sentencing.

Meanwhile the racist "defence leagues" have been focussing their attacks on Muslim communities, with provocative marches in towns and cities inciting racial hatred and bigotry.

From its founding in 2001, Stop the War has been committed to combating racism. We recognise that Islamophobia is a direct consequence of the "war on terror". We believe it is vital that the anti-war movement acts in conjunction with other campaigns and organisations to stem its tide.

The conference Defend the Muslim Community on Saturday 5 June, organised by Stop the War and the British Muslim Initiative, will bring together a wide range of opinion united in concern over the escalating demonisation of Muslims in our society.

Speakers already confirmed include journalist Peter Oborne, Salma Yaqoob from the Respect Party, Dr Robert Lambert, former head of Scotland Yard's Muslim Contact Unit, Daud Abdullah from the Muslim Council of Britain and Mohammed Ali from the Islam Channel. More speakers will be announced as they are confirmed. Publicity materials and tickets for the conference will be available soon.