'Countryfile' 'saddened' after Muslim hiking group targeted by racist trolls

Countryfile has said it was 'saddened' to hear that a Muslim hikers group was hit with racist abuse after appearing on the programme.

The Muslim Hikers were filmed at Scafell Pike in September for the BBC show, with the episode recently airing.

But the group's founder Haroon Mota said they had since been targeted by internet trolls.

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"Unfortunately we have received an overwhelming amount of abuse online, a lot of racism," the BBC quoted him as saying.

"It's something we have had before in the past and it's unfortunate that it's happening again."

Mota said the hiking group was set up to create a community where people could feel safe and "hike confidently".

Posting on social media, he said the abuse they were getting was "shocking".

"But if we ever needed any validation for why we exist and why we do what we do, this is why," he added.

A spokesperson for Countryfile told Yahoo: "The countryside is for everyone so we’re saddened to hear of this. Countryfile has a proud record of celebrating the nation’s shared love of hiking."

Muslim Hikers also received support from many viewers who condemned the trolls.

"I spend quite a large amount of time hiking in our hills and mountains and to see @Muslim_Hikers receive abuse for doing the same is horrendous," one person tweeted.

Another said: "I saw you on Countryfile and think you are doing an amazing job. The countryside is for everyone."

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One tweeted: "It is heartbreaking to see and hear of the abuse that Muslim Hikers are receiving following their Countryfile appearance. The outdoors is for everyone. Racism and Islamophobia have no place anywhere, including in the countryside."

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