Award for Hijab-Wearing British Police Officer Triggers Islamophobic Abuse

A British Muslim police officer, Fiona Sheikh Omar, has faced a campaign of hatred and Islamophobic abuse after being honoured with an award recognising her outstanding contribution to women.

The recognition became the focus of hostility directed at the officer, who wears a hijab, shifting attention from her achievement to her religious identity.

Police chief Sir Mark Rowley intervened to strongly condemn the racist attacks against her.

The case highlights how a moment intended to celebrate a Muslim woman’s contribution to policing can instead become a target for religious hatred. Rowley’s condemnation placed the police leadership publicly against the abuse.