Muslim Police Officer Faces Online Abuse After Receiving Award for Promoting Women in UK Policing

Muslim Police Officer Faces Online Abuse After Receiving Award for Promoting Women in UK Policing
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Fiona Sheikh, a Muslim police officer credited with introducing a hijab uniform initiative, has reportedly faced a wave of online abuse, racist insults and intimidation after receiving an award recognizing women’s contributions to policing in the United Kingdom.

Sheikh was honored for her efforts to promote greater religious and structural diversity within the country’s security services. However, the recognition was followed by attacks from right-wing groups, which reportedly used images from her past to target her religious identity.

According to the UK broadcaster LBC, the backlash has raised concerns about Islamophobia and hostility toward women, particularly Muslim women working in public service. Critics of the online attacks argue that such conduct risks marginalizing Muslim professionals and undermining efforts to make public institutions more inclusive.

Senior British security officials condemned the abuse as shameful and emphasized the importance of supporting personnel from religious minority communities. Sheikh, meanwhile, has reaffirmed her commitment to promoting the participation of women who wear the hijab in public life and professional fields.