Far-right group touts ‘Taliban Hunting Club’ merchandise
A British fascist group has begun selling clothing and memorabilia emblazoned with a “Taliban Hunting Club” logo, for those wishing to “display [their] patriotism in a simple yet effective way.”
The line of T-shirts, hoodies and badges are sold online through the “Patriot Store” website, where customers can browse and purchase Britain First’s memorabilia.
The “Taliban Hunting Club” range even features a men’s fragrance, branded “Lionheart No. 9 – Old School Aftershave.”
The Britain First range has previously come under fire. An investigation was launched into the leader of the group following claims they had illegally used an image of the crown.
Paul Golding, leader of Britain First, is expected to be questioned in the coming weeks after the group failed to respond to a request from the government to stop producing racist and anti-Muslim merchandise.
The Metropolitan Police Specialist Operations unit is currently deciding whether the organization has breached royal copyright laws by using an image of the St Edward’s Crown.
Golding told The Independent that the use of the picture was “perfectly legal.”
Britain First further provoked ire in November when it persisted in using the Royal British Legion's (RBL) Remembrance Day red poppy on its campaign material.
The group has been accused by politicians and activists of “politicizing” the poppy in order to promote its brand of far-right extremism, and potentially diverting funds away from the RBL to carry out its charitable work.
READ MORE:British military charity to sue far-right group for copyright breach
The production of Taliban Hunting Club clothing has raised questions about the legitimacy of the group’s claim they are a “patriotic” political group.
In May 2013, members staged a “Christian crusade” on mosques in Bradford and Glasgow, claiming they were “taking our country back.”
Britain First activists filmed themselves telling those attending prayer to “reject the false prophet Mohammed and read the Bible.”
They also visited the office of Muslim Labour councilor Nazam Azam, demanding he take action against “Muslim grooming gangs.”
Anti-Muslim hate crimes have recently spiked in the UK, with reports of British Muslims being attacked in the street, often for little more than wearing traditional dress.
READ MORE:UK Muslims 75% less likely to land job than Christians – study
A study by the monitoring group Tell MAMA (Monitoring Anti-Muslim Attacks) found the number of faith-related hate crimes in London rose 23 percent in the year up to October.
Prejudice against Muslims further penetrates the world of work. A study by Dr Nabil Khattab and Professor Ron Johnson revealed British Muslims are more than 70 percent less likely to find gainful employment than their Christian counterparts.
The scientists collated information from 14 different ethno-religious groups living in the UK. They found Muslims are the most – and significantly – disadvantaged.
Despite racial prejudice often being associated with skin color, Khattab and Johnston found it to be more closely dependent on religion and cultural background than previously thought.
