Mayor of London is often threatened and must be escorted by 15 police because he is Muslim

LONDON – Mayor London Sadiq Khan described his life as “terrible” with constant security measures after years of threats related to his race and religious beliefs as a Muslim.

“The mayor of the world’s largest city needs protection 24 hours a day, seven days a week because of the color of his skin and the God he worships,” Khan said.

Khan told a meeting at the Labor Party conference in Brighton that being told by police his family was in danger was a “game changer.”

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He admitted having to adjust to needing the protection of 15 police officers was “difficult.”

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He added, “You can’t do anything spontaneously. Riding a bicycle to work, which I often do, is different for you and me. Using Tube, which I do, is different for me than for you. Go for a jog… it’s tough. Having a bloodhound in your home is no fun. It’s hard not to answer your door. Had to counsel your staff due to harsh words addressed to me from letters, emails. It’s terrible.”

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Khan said he was reluctant to discuss the harassment and security risks he posed because he didn’t want to make other people from minority backgrounds nervous about running for political office.

“This is probably the first time I’ve talked about it. I might get emotional,” he told conference attendees.

(sya)

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