"Muslims protest at police treatment," from the Telegraph, with thanks to Interested, who points out that if hundreds of Muslim demonstrators really do turn out for this, that will be "hundreds more than protested against the actions of their coreligionists on July 7."
Around 100 people have protested about an anti-terror raid in east London a week ago, claiming it was symptomatic of oppression of the Islamic community.
Earlier the sister of two brothers held in connection with an alleged terror plot criticised the police's "barbaric and horrific actions".
Humeya Kalam's brothers, Mohammed Abdul Kahar, 23, and Abul Koyair, 20, were arrested in Forest Gate last week.
Ms Kalam backed a separate "peaceful" protest in Plashet Park next Sunday.
At Friday's demonstration outside Forest Gate police station protesters chanted: "British police go to hell" and "Tony Blair murderer" and waved plaques condemning the police and the government.
Protest organiser Anjem Choudary said: "When you start to violate the sanctity of Muslims and their homes, and handle their mothers and fathers then there is going to be some kind of backlash."
The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Ian Blair, has defended the raid.
In an interview with BBC News Sir Ian said the police had taken action on behalf of all communities in the fight against terror.
He said: "This is not a police force on behalf of one community against another. We're all in danger of terrorism together."
Scotland Yard Assistant Commissioner Andy Hayman said he regretted the disruption caused to the community in east London but that police had to act on intelligence received.
Mr Hayman said they would continue "to try and bottom it out" and indicated police would meet the local community to reflect on their tactics.
Family statement
Ms Kalam's comments mark the first time the family have spoken since the raid, in which Mr Kahar was shot.
In a statement, issued by Ms Kalam on behalf of her family, she said: "On the morning of Friday 2 June 2006, my family were awakened by what can only be described as barbaric and horrific actions taken against an innocent family."
My family were awakened by what can only be described as barbaric and horrific actions taken against an innocent family Humeya Kalam
She also thanked "each and everyone in the community for their tremendous support".
Her statement is thought to have been read out in a number of east London mosques at the end of prayers on Friday afternoon.
Mr Kahar and Mr Koyair, who both deny the allegations, are still being held without charge at Paddington Green police station.
Police, who say they are not prepared to comment on the case, have until Saturday to question the pair.
Officers have yet to find what specific intelligence suggested they would find in the raided house - reportedly a chemical-based explosive device.
It was also read out to reporters by another family member in Forest Gate.
Local Muslims who stayed away said later that they were worried their cause was being hijacked by outsiders. Many of those who attended wore long thobs - traditional wear in the Gulf - and masked their faces, as did a handful of women protestors wearing burqas.
A bearded Irishman from Dublin, a convert of five years who gave his name as Khaled, said: "The Prophet Mohammed said ‘you should carry weapons’ and he is right."
And an English convert, of 10 years, Abu Ibrahim, a self-confessed fundamentalist shouted: "We are hear to highlight the oppression. To highlight the tyranny of the British."
Labour 'bungling may let terrorists off hook'
Brainwashing The Children For Allah
No comments:
Post a Comment