Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis has condemned the stabbing attacks in Edinburgh that left five men injured last week as “horrifying”.
The attacks, which began near Broomhouse Mosque in the western part of the Scottish capital on Friday evening, left two 22-year-old men reportedly suffering from multiple stab wounds after leaving prayers near the mosque. They were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary for treatment.
Three other men, aged 24, 27, and 39 were injured in related incidents elsewhere in the city. Police said none of the injuries were life-threatening.
MEND Scotland, a Muslim engagement group, reported that several of the victims were from the Muslim community.
Posting on social media on Monday, Chief Rabbi Mirvis said: “I send best wishes to those who were hurt, to their families, and to Muslim communities across Scotland and the wider United Kingdom, for whom these days will have been filled with fear and grief.”
Lewis Hawkes, 36, has been charged in connection with the attacks with five counts of attempted murder "aggravated by reason of having a terrorist connection".
He was also charged with one count of assault and robbery, two counts of breach of the peace and two counts of culpable and reckless conduct, all similarly aggravated.
Hawkes appeared at the Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday but did not enter a plea.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney said Friday’s events should be a “wake-up call” to Scotland.
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