Update: Salma Yaqoob was victim of Birmingham arson attack

Green activist and former Respect party parliamentary candidate Salma Yaqoob was the target of the arson attack in Birmingham that Skwawkbox reported earlier today, 5 June 2026.

The local Green party has issued a statement of solidarity with Yaqoob and her family:

Birmingham Green Party expresses solidarity with the Yaqoob family after the shocking arson attack on a car outside their family home.

Many of our councillors, activists and supporters know members of the family well and admire their commitment to equality, justice and peace.

The fact that nobody was injured is down to quick thinking by family members who were able to stop the fire spreading. This extremely dangerous act was caught on CCTV and we hope that West Midlands Police catch the perpetrators quickly before they are able to commit any further acts of violence.

Birmingham attack met with media indifference

Masked attackers smashed in the windows of Yaqoob’s car during the night and poured petrol over it before setting it alight. Quick action by family members stopped the blaze spreading to their home until firefighters arrived to extinguish it fully:

Like most Islamophobic and right-wing attacks, the arson has been largely ignored by the UK ‘mainstream’ media.

Featured image via BirminghamLive