Disinformation was ‘central accelerant’ in Leicester Hindu-Muslim clashes, inquiry finds

The Guardian World

by Neha Gohil Midlands correspondent

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Violence between Hindus and Muslims in Leicester during 2022 was driven by online disinformation and inadequate leadership from local authorities, according to an independent inquiry led by researchers from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and the London School of Economics. The study highlights that no single group was solely responsible for the clashes, with members of both communities described as “both victims and perpetrators.” Online misinformation played a central role in exacerbating tensions, fueling distrust and contributing to the escalation of violence between predominantly young Hindu and Muslim men over several months. The inquiry also revealed significant shortcomings in how local authorities responded to the unrest. The city’s mayor, council, and police were found to have failed in their responsibilities, with major gaps in intelligence and communication identified as key factors in the lack of effective response. Community coexistence in Leicester is increasingly under strain due to new migration patterns, economic challenges, and the influence of political ideologies like Hindutva and political Islamism within South Asian communities in the UK. The report underscores the urgent need to recognize and address communalism within these communities, calling for immediate action to prevent further fragmentation. The findings emphasize that online disinformation and leadership failures created a toxic environment where tensions boiled over into unprecedented violence. This case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked misinformation and the importance of strong, proactive leadership in maintaining social cohesion. For readers interested in global politics and social dynamics, this story highlights how fragile community relations can be when external factors like disinformation and economic stress intersect with underlying tensions. It also raises critical questions about the role of local authorities in preventing such crises and the need for greater awareness of political ideologies that can divide communities. The lessons from Leicester’s experience are timely reminders of the importance of unity, effective governance, and combating misinformation to foster peaceful coexistence.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/23/2026