Nicola Sturgeon has warned Europe’s Muslims face a ‘double burden’ after terror attacks such as today's assault on Brussels.
The First Minister said Muslims felt ‘exactly the same revulsion as the rest of us’ at violence but faced the additional strain of being unfairly blamed for it.
Speaking at a conference on hate crime in Glasgow organised by the Crown Office and Police Scotland, Ms Sturgeon expressed sympathy with the victims of the Belgian atrocities.
She said: “Quite horrific news is emerging of what appears to be a devastating terrorist attack. My thoughts are with the people of Belgium."
Ms Sturgeon added that the Belgian horrors underlined the importance of attempts to tackle hate crime in Scotland.
She said: “These events serve as a stark reminder of importance of why we are trying to tackle hate crime, to strengthen diversity and community cohesion.
“Our diversity is one of our strengths and we should recognise this."
Horrific news from Brussels - thoughts with everyone involved.
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) March 22, 2016
Meanwhile, the First Minister said that Scotland stands in solidarity with the people of Belgium, as she offered her sympathies to those caught up in today's bombing.
Describing the attack as "appalling," she said: "My thoughts and sympathies, and those of the Scottish Government, are very much with all those who found themselves caught up I this horrific attack, and with the loved ones of those who were killed
"I'm sure I speak on behalf of everyone when I say we stand in solidarity with the people of Belgium."
She said the government was working with the police to reassure travellers in Scotland.
"There is no cause for panic and alarm and no reason for people to do anything other than go about their business," she said.
Glasgow's Lord Provost, Sadie Docherty, also sent the city's condolences to Brussels: “It’s with a heavy heart and great sadness that I send this city’s condolences to the people of Brussels, as they come to terms with the atrocities that have occurred in their city today. My thoughts and prayers and those of our citizens are with them at this difficult and frightening time.”
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