HUNDREDS of young girls in Britain are suffering genital mutilation at the hands of women paid to come to Britain by their families.
African immigrants are clubbing together to pay for practitioners to fly to Britain and circumcise their daughters in highly secretive rituals.
Police believe that the trend has developed among parents who do not have passports or cannot afford to return to their home countries to have their daughters circumcised, a brutal practice that remains commonplace throughout Africa.
The procedure is generally performed by elderly women, in unsterilised conditions with no anaesthetic. Children as young as five have parts or all of their clitoris or labia removed. Some have their vaginas sewn up or the flesh shrunk with corrosives.
Last week, Esther Fornah, 19, was granted asylum because she faced being forced to undergo female genital mutiliation if she were returned to her home country of Sierra Leone.
In an interview with The Times, Esther said: "If I’d been sent back to Sierra Leone I would have been forced to have it done and they would have punished me more for exposing it and made it even more painful. I would rather have killed myself than go back."
In Britain, female circumcision — or female genital mutilation (FGM) — is illegal, and carries a maximum sentence of 14 years’ imprisonment. The penalty has, however, failed to halt the practice, with thousands of young girls taken abroad each year for that purpose. There has never been a prosecution, although it has been an offence since 1985 with the introduction of the FGM Act. Since 2003, taking a child to another country to have it done has also been an offence.
Female circumcision among the African community in Britain has been commonplace for years but the wider population has been unaware of it. Now, however, police, social services and health workers have become concerned. They believe it to be widespread, with about 25,000 young girls remaining at risk in Britain, according to the Foundation for Women’s Health Research and Development (Forward).
A specialist unit has been set up by Metropolitan Police child abuse investigation detectives to tackle the problem in tandem with other agencies. Over the past year they have monitored schools and airports and advised minority communities that sending their daughters abroad for genital mutilation is illegal. This has resulted in about 20 successful interventions.
Detective Inspector Carol Hamilton, an expert in the field, said: "One primary school child was overheard telling her friends that she was going to be taken to her home country and there would be a party, a ceremony, because she was becoming a woman. Police and social services visited the girl’s home. They said they were not stopping the family from going away, but wanted the parents to know that FGM was against the law, that their daughter would be monitored on her return, and they could be arrested if she had had it done.
"This particular family didn’t know that it was against the law and took the advice fully on board — many people still think it’s OK if you go abroad."
However, she said there had been a worrying development. "The information we’re now getting is that people who don’t have passports or who can’t afford to go abroad are clubbing together to pay for someone to come in. But getting the details is a problem. People always say it doesn’t happen in their area, but they’ve heard it takes place elsewhere."
The procedure is highly dangerous and leaves many of its victims with health problems throughout their lives. Infections and cysts are commonplace, as are complications during childbirth, endangering both mother and baby. Women who have suffered genital mutilation are twice as likely to die in childbirth and three times as likely to give birth to a stillborn child.
Despite the dangers, many African Muslim communities prize the ritual and ostracise women who are not circumcised. It is common in a band stretching from Senegal in West Africa to Somalia on the East coast and in many areas uncircumcised women cannot find a husband.
One health worker who helps the Somali community in Sheffield said: "At 12 or 13, some girls are pressured by their peer group if they haven’t had it done. They will be ostracised or seen as unclean."
Over the summer, police ran a poster campaign aimed at parents taking their daughters on "holiday" for the procedure, produced a DVD for community leaders and are negotiating with BAA to show a rolling 30-second video at airport departure lounges reminding people of the penalty.
But there has been frustration at the lack of prosecutions. Ann Clwyd, the Labour MP who brought the Bill that became the 2003 Act, voiced her dissatisfaction in the Commons last year, saying: "When I introduced the legislation, I expected some prosecutions to follow.
"Acts that have been in force for 20 years without any prosecutions mean that 7,000 young girls in this country are estimated to be at risk of being taken abroad for those procedures."
Agencies working with those at risk say that victims will not admit that they have been forced to undergo mutilation because they fear their family or community elders could be investigated.
Guy’s and St Thomas’s Hospital runs an African well women’s clinic that treats about 400 victims of female genital mutilation every year.
A BARBARIC BUT COMMON RITUAL
Female genital mutilation has been illegal in Britain since 1985
The law now criminalises the practice outside Britain on British citizens or permanent residents. Aiding and abetting it is an offence
The maximum penalty for committing or assisting is 14 years’ imprisonment
A claim for asylum by a girl facing mutilation was refused because, it was said, she was not in a social group fearing persecution — a Refugee Convention requisite. Five law lords have just overturned that decision
The practice is common in 28 African countries and some Asian and Middle Eastern communities
It is usually done to girls aged 4 to 13, but is sometimes inflicted on babies
Reasons given include custom and tradition, religious demand, family honour, hygiene, a belief that it enhances fertility, and to control women’s sexuality
It is thought to have been carried out on about 75,000 first-generation female African immigrants in Britain
Afterwards women are twice as likely to die in childbirth and three times as likely to have a stillborn child
Unicef estimates that 100 million to 130 million women have had the procedure, often performed with a basic cutting instrument under little or no anaesthetic
The practice contravenes the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
see also.
Monday, November 13, 2006
HATE FEAR AFTER GLASS ATTACK
COMMUNITY leaders appealed for calm yesterday after an Asian gangster glassed a white teenager on the street where Kriss Donald grew up.
The attacker struck just days before the schoolboy's killers were jailed. He allegedy shouted at his victim: "We're going to murder all the white boys in Pollokshields."
The 19-year-old man needed stitches to his mouth after the unprovoked assault.
Strathclyde Police said the victim was treated at Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary after an attack on McCulloch Street.
Muhammad Shoaib, chairman of the Pollokshields Development Agency, said: "There is a problem here with gang culture.
"There are white gangs and Asian gangs and splinter groups who will use any excuse for violence." Kriss' killers were sentenced to life last week after being returned from Pakistan, where they had fled.
Lead investigating officer Chief Supt Elliot McKenzie last night said: "The inquiry team are grateful to Mohammed Sarwar MP for helping secure their extradition. "It was a long and complicated case but it was worth it to see these men being taken to the prison van after sentencing."
The attacker struck just days before the schoolboy's killers were jailed. He allegedy shouted at his victim: "We're going to murder all the white boys in Pollokshields."
The 19-year-old man needed stitches to his mouth after the unprovoked assault.
Strathclyde Police said the victim was treated at Glasgow's Victoria Infirmary after an attack on McCulloch Street.
Muhammad Shoaib, chairman of the Pollokshields Development Agency, said: "There is a problem here with gang culture.
"There are white gangs and Asian gangs and splinter groups who will use any excuse for violence." Kriss' killers were sentenced to life last week after being returned from Pakistan, where they had fled.
Lead investigating officer Chief Supt Elliot McKenzie last night said: "The inquiry team are grateful to Mohammed Sarwar MP for helping secure their extradition. "It was a long and complicated case but it was worth it to see these men being taken to the prison van after sentencing."
Veil row lawyer is taken off case
A legal adviser at the centre of a row over wearing veils in court has been taken off the case she was working on.
A tribunal in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, was adjourned last week after Shabnam Mughal refused to remove her veil when asked to do so by Judge George Glossop.
It was rescheduled after an interim ruling allowed solicitors and legal advisers to wear a veil in court.
But Ms Mughal, a Muslim, was replaced by a male colleague in the client's interests, her law firm said.
Speaking outside the rescheduled hearing centre, solicitor Abdul Khan, from Coventry-based The Law Partnership, said the decision was not a reflection on Ms Mughal nor issues surrounding her use of a Muslim veil.
"It is not an issue of us backing down. We represent clients and our duty is to make sure that their interests are at the forefront of our mind.
"The decision was made solely in the interests of our client."
Mr Khan, who appeared before the immigration tribunal instead of Ms Mughal, said his colleague would continue to wear her veil during hearings.
Last week Judge Glossop was thought to have asked for the full-face veil to be removed because he could not hear Ms Mughal properly.
The interim ruling said a veil can be worn in court unless it interferes with the "interests of justice".
Cartoons protester faces retrial
A tribunal in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, was adjourned last week after Shabnam Mughal refused to remove her veil when asked to do so by Judge George Glossop.
It was rescheduled after an interim ruling allowed solicitors and legal advisers to wear a veil in court.
But Ms Mughal, a Muslim, was replaced by a male colleague in the client's interests, her law firm said.
Speaking outside the rescheduled hearing centre, solicitor Abdul Khan, from Coventry-based The Law Partnership, said the decision was not a reflection on Ms Mughal nor issues surrounding her use of a Muslim veil.
"It is not an issue of us backing down. We represent clients and our duty is to make sure that their interests are at the forefront of our mind.
"The decision was made solely in the interests of our client."
Mr Khan, who appeared before the immigration tribunal instead of Ms Mughal, said his colleague would continue to wear her veil during hearings.
Last week Judge Glossop was thought to have asked for the full-face veil to be removed because he could not hear Ms Mughal properly.
The interim ruling said a veil can be worn in court unless it interferes with the "interests of justice".
Cartoons protester faces retrial
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Archbishop: Ministers' PC Christmas cards 'erode Christianity'
Britain's first black Archbishop has attacked Government Ministers for sending non-Christian Christmas cards for fear of offending other religions.
Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu said the "illiberal atheists" were aiding the "systematic erosion" of Christianity in public life.
He hit at policies such as saying "Winterval" for Christmas and changing "happy Christmas" to "season's greetings" on Government cards.
Ugandan-born Dr Sentamu, 56, who became Archbishop last year, told an audience of lay readers in Newcastle upon Tyne that Christians should be more politically active to combat a rising tide of "aggressive secularism" and ensure that their principles were not purged from society.
"Christianity is being systematically eroded from public view, more often than not in the fear of offending those who would not be offended in the least or because of the mistaken belief that Christianity has no role to play in the public arena," he said.
"This systematic erosion is subtle, with minor changes which drip by drip erode centuries of Christian heritage and identity.
"Examples can be seen all over officialdom: The change in official Government cards from "happy Christmas" to "season's greetings", the change to the asking for a "first name" instead of a "Christian name", the slow chipping away at the foundational heritage that gave birth to those values we all share."
Dr Sentamu, who came to Britain 22 years ago after fleeing dictator Idi Amin, cited Birmingham Council's decision eight years ago to rename Christmas "Winterval", Torbay's removal of a cross from its crematorium, the Royal Mail Christmas stamps which do not feature Jesus and Plymouth's move to end free parking on Sundays in case it offends people who worship on other days.
"The people of Plymouth corporately need to make a robust but peaceful response," said Dr Sentamu. "Long-standing traditions cannot be swept aside by a stroke of a pen."
Dr Sentamu has called for a rediscovery of English pride, warning that a zeal for multi-culturalism sometimes "seemed to imply, 'let other cultures be allowed to express themselves but do not let the majority culture at all tell us its glories.'"
A Downing Street spokeswoman said: "The Prime Minister always sends out cards with a Christmas greeting. The only exception is if the card is being sent to a senior figure from another religious faith."
She added that the policy across Whitehall was "a matter for individual Government departments".
Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu said the "illiberal atheists" were aiding the "systematic erosion" of Christianity in public life.
He hit at policies such as saying "Winterval" for Christmas and changing "happy Christmas" to "season's greetings" on Government cards.
Ugandan-born Dr Sentamu, 56, who became Archbishop last year, told an audience of lay readers in Newcastle upon Tyne that Christians should be more politically active to combat a rising tide of "aggressive secularism" and ensure that their principles were not purged from society.
"Christianity is being systematically eroded from public view, more often than not in the fear of offending those who would not be offended in the least or because of the mistaken belief that Christianity has no role to play in the public arena," he said.
"This systematic erosion is subtle, with minor changes which drip by drip erode centuries of Christian heritage and identity.
"Examples can be seen all over officialdom: The change in official Government cards from "happy Christmas" to "season's greetings", the change to the asking for a "first name" instead of a "Christian name", the slow chipping away at the foundational heritage that gave birth to those values we all share."
Dr Sentamu, who came to Britain 22 years ago after fleeing dictator Idi Amin, cited Birmingham Council's decision eight years ago to rename Christmas "Winterval", Torbay's removal of a cross from its crematorium, the Royal Mail Christmas stamps which do not feature Jesus and Plymouth's move to end free parking on Sundays in case it offends people who worship on other days.
"The people of Plymouth corporately need to make a robust but peaceful response," said Dr Sentamu. "Long-standing traditions cannot be swept aside by a stroke of a pen."
Dr Sentamu has called for a rediscovery of English pride, warning that a zeal for multi-culturalism sometimes "seemed to imply, 'let other cultures be allowed to express themselves but do not let the majority culture at all tell us its glories.'"
A Downing Street spokeswoman said: "The Prime Minister always sends out cards with a Christmas greeting. The only exception is if the card is being sent to a senior figure from another religious faith."
She added that the policy across Whitehall was "a matter for individual Government departments".
UK Christian Charity Bans Christian Themes
Out of fear of the Religion of Peace™: Christian charity bans Christmas themed children’s gifts.
Operation Christmas Child, run by the charity Samaritan’s Purse, sends festive packages to deprived youngsters in countries ravaged by war and famine.
Donors are asked to pack shoeboxes with a cuddly toy, a toothbrush and toothpaste, soap and flannel, notepads, colouring books and crayons - but nothing to do with Christmas. Stories from the Bible, images of Jesus and any other Christian literature are expressely forbidden - in case Muslims are offended.
Yesterday the charity’s policy of censoring its own faith was described as political correctness gone mad.
Last Christmas, Britons filled 1.13 million shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse to send to children abroad.
But Barbara Hill, who works at the worldwide charity’s UK headquarters in Buckhurst Hill, Essex, said: "Anything we find in the boxes which has a religious nature will be removed. If a box was opened by a Muslim child in a Muslim country they may be offended so we try to avoid religious images."
The charity has also banned war-related items such as Action Man-type figures, as well as chocolate and cake.
Operation Christmas Child, run by the charity Samaritan’s Purse, sends festive packages to deprived youngsters in countries ravaged by war and famine.
Donors are asked to pack shoeboxes with a cuddly toy, a toothbrush and toothpaste, soap and flannel, notepads, colouring books and crayons - but nothing to do with Christmas. Stories from the Bible, images of Jesus and any other Christian literature are expressely forbidden - in case Muslims are offended.
Yesterday the charity’s policy of censoring its own faith was described as political correctness gone mad.
Last Christmas, Britons filled 1.13 million shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse to send to children abroad.
But Barbara Hill, who works at the worldwide charity’s UK headquarters in Buckhurst Hill, Essex, said: "Anything we find in the boxes which has a religious nature will be removed. If a box was opened by a Muslim child in a Muslim country they may be offended so we try to avoid religious images."
The charity has also banned war-related items such as Action Man-type figures, as well as chocolate and cake.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Islamic hip-hop artists are accused of indoctrinating young against the West
HIP-HOP and rap artists are teaching young Muslims the ideology of radical Islamism through songs about the war in Iraq, the oppression of Muslims and the creation of an Islamic state governed by Sharia, or religious law.
Intelligence agencies have identified music as a "tool for indoctrination". The phenomenon began with an American group called Soldiers of Allah. The group has since disbanded but its music and lyrics remain popular on the internet. Other groups in Britain, France and the US have been identified as giving cause for concern. Many use the derogatory term "kufur" to describe non-Muslims.
Madeleine Gruen, an American intelligence analyst, highlighted the lyrics of a British group called Blakstone as a possible gateway to extremist politics.
Ms Gruen has studied how music, internet forums, boardgames and fashion have been used to radicalise youths.
She said: "The music is very persuasive because it is giving young people ideas, and those ideas are what might motivate someone to become a jihadi. The material is all in English. It’s spreading a radical message to domestic populations that don’t speak Arabic or Urdu."
Ms Gruen said that Blakstone’s lyrics echoed the views of Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT), the Islamist political movement.
Blakstone operates from an industrial estate in Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey. The group could not be contacted yesterday. In an interview last year, its founder, Ahmed Ashley Welbeck said that the music was "about the underdog" and offered "a middle way" between Muslim tradition and street culture.
Last night, a spokesman for HuT said that it had no formal links with Blakstone or any other rap groups.
He said: "Our message is out there, it is very widespread and it is hardly surprising that groups might pick up on it.
"HuT is a more traditional political movement. We use conferences, websites and leaflets, but rap music is not one of our things.
"There is a lot of anger out there, especially about the Iraq war. Our challenge is to channel that frustration and anger into political activism."
THE LYRICS SEEN AS A CALL TO ARMS
Yesterday I was dreaming I dreamt of The State we made, a place with purpose and meaning. I saw my people they were smiling not grieving, I saw our kids they were safe they were breathing . . . And no more talk of war and of bombs to drop, under Allah’s Shade and Shield and fearing not. No more bleeding due scheming dogs on thrones, whom plot with foes to spread woes, the stench of rot. And that’s how it’s supposed to be. I look around and all I see today is poverty and misery from systems ruling over me with blasphemy. Their tool, kufur rule it’s a catastrophe
From Close 2 Me, by Blakstone
No Khalifah [Islamic state] Where are we heading? Without Islam we’re stressing, implement Allah’s blessing, that’s what I am addressing. Apart from this kufur scheme. Bring Islam back to the scene. Let’s unite the Ummah [Muslim nation], following only the Koran and the Sunnah. Even if all the kufirs got together, they still couldn’t stop this Ummah. We love Islam More than we love life
From Bring Back Islam, by Soldiers of Allah.
Mohammed expresses his gratitude to the west for pointlessly
taking in Muslim immigrants
He was sentenced with
two others for stabbing and burning an innocent 15-year-old
Scottish boy to death.
Intelligence agencies have identified music as a "tool for indoctrination". The phenomenon began with an American group called Soldiers of Allah. The group has since disbanded but its music and lyrics remain popular on the internet. Other groups in Britain, France and the US have been identified as giving cause for concern. Many use the derogatory term "kufur" to describe non-Muslims.
Madeleine Gruen, an American intelligence analyst, highlighted the lyrics of a British group called Blakstone as a possible gateway to extremist politics.
Ms Gruen has studied how music, internet forums, boardgames and fashion have been used to radicalise youths.
She said: "The music is very persuasive because it is giving young people ideas, and those ideas are what might motivate someone to become a jihadi. The material is all in English. It’s spreading a radical message to domestic populations that don’t speak Arabic or Urdu."
Ms Gruen said that Blakstone’s lyrics echoed the views of Hizb ut-Tahrir (HuT), the Islamist political movement.
Blakstone operates from an industrial estate in Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey. The group could not be contacted yesterday. In an interview last year, its founder, Ahmed Ashley Welbeck said that the music was "about the underdog" and offered "a middle way" between Muslim tradition and street culture.
Last night, a spokesman for HuT said that it had no formal links with Blakstone or any other rap groups.
He said: "Our message is out there, it is very widespread and it is hardly surprising that groups might pick up on it.
"HuT is a more traditional political movement. We use conferences, websites and leaflets, but rap music is not one of our things.
"There is a lot of anger out there, especially about the Iraq war. Our challenge is to channel that frustration and anger into political activism."
THE LYRICS SEEN AS A CALL TO ARMS
Yesterday I was dreaming I dreamt of The State we made, a place with purpose and meaning. I saw my people they were smiling not grieving, I saw our kids they were safe they were breathing . . . And no more talk of war and of bombs to drop, under Allah’s Shade and Shield and fearing not. No more bleeding due scheming dogs on thrones, whom plot with foes to spread woes, the stench of rot. And that’s how it’s supposed to be. I look around and all I see today is poverty and misery from systems ruling over me with blasphemy. Their tool, kufur rule it’s a catastrophe
From Close 2 Me, by Blakstone
No Khalifah [Islamic state] Where are we heading? Without Islam we’re stressing, implement Allah’s blessing, that’s what I am addressing. Apart from this kufur scheme. Bring Islam back to the scene. Let’s unite the Ummah [Muslim nation], following only the Koran and the Sunnah. Even if all the kufirs got together, they still couldn’t stop this Ummah. We love Islam More than we love life
From Bring Back Islam, by Soldiers of Allah.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Fury as top judge gives in to Muslim hardliners on veils
A HIGH Court judge sparked outrage last night after he gave lawyers the green light to wear veils in court.
The ruling was made after a Muslim solicitor twice refused an immigration judge’s request to reveal her face – despite him explaining that he could not hear her speak.
Mr Justice Hodge, who was asked to issue guidance over the case, yesterday defended the right of lawyers to wear the niqab and said it was “important to be sensitive”.
His decision was widely condemned by critics, who claimed he had caved in to Islamic hardliners.
The controversy follows the case of Shabnam Mughal, who refused to remove her veil at a tribunal in Stoke-on-Trent on Monday.
Judge George Glossop told the 27-year-old lawyer he could not hear her properly and asked to see her face to “aid communication”.
After the case ground to a halt because of her defiance, the row was referred to Mr Justice Hodge, who is president of the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal.In his ruling, which is likely to set a precedent for all courts, he said Miss Mughal had appeared at previous hearings in the black niqab without complaint.
He added: “It is important to be sensitive in such cases. The presumption is that if a representative before an asylum immigration tribunal wishes to wear a veil, has the agreement of his or her client and can be heard reasonably clearly by all parties to the proceedings, then the representative should be allowed to do so.”
David Davies, Conservative MP for Monmouth, said the decision caved in to Islamic pressure.
He added: “British courts are there to determine whether the truth is being told. How can they do that if they cannot hear? Allowing people to hide their faces in a court where all should be laid bare in the search for truth and justice is not good enough.
“If we were in a Muslim court we would be expected to abide by their rules on dress. So why is it that this lady can work in a British court and wear whatever she likes?”
Philip Davies, Tory MP for Shipley, said: “It is outrageous that Mr Justice Hodge has not defended his judge in this case. British justice has always been based on the principle of being completely open. How can it be open if a lawyer will not show her face?”
Massoud Shadjareh, of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, said: “Just because someone wears a veil in court does not mean they can’t do their job properly.
“We should take pride in the fact that our society recognises the rights and requirements of minorities and allows us the freedom to practise our religion. It is something that we should celebrate.”
But Labour MP Shahid Malik, one of Westminster’s four Muslim MPs, said: “Where a veil inhibits you from carrying out your job or your role in life, then your right to wear it is compromised.”
The ruling was made after a Muslim solicitor twice refused an immigration judge’s request to reveal her face – despite him explaining that he could not hear her speak.
Mr Justice Hodge, who was asked to issue guidance over the case, yesterday defended the right of lawyers to wear the niqab and said it was “important to be sensitive”.
His decision was widely condemned by critics, who claimed he had caved in to Islamic hardliners.
The controversy follows the case of Shabnam Mughal, who refused to remove her veil at a tribunal in Stoke-on-Trent on Monday.
Judge George Glossop told the 27-year-old lawyer he could not hear her properly and asked to see her face to “aid communication”.
After the case ground to a halt because of her defiance, the row was referred to Mr Justice Hodge, who is president of the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal.In his ruling, which is likely to set a precedent for all courts, he said Miss Mughal had appeared at previous hearings in the black niqab without complaint.
He added: “It is important to be sensitive in such cases. The presumption is that if a representative before an asylum immigration tribunal wishes to wear a veil, has the agreement of his or her client and can be heard reasonably clearly by all parties to the proceedings, then the representative should be allowed to do so.”
David Davies, Conservative MP for Monmouth, said the decision caved in to Islamic pressure.
He added: “British courts are there to determine whether the truth is being told. How can they do that if they cannot hear? Allowing people to hide their faces in a court where all should be laid bare in the search for truth and justice is not good enough.
“If we were in a Muslim court we would be expected to abide by their rules on dress. So why is it that this lady can work in a British court and wear whatever she likes?”
Philip Davies, Tory MP for Shipley, said: “It is outrageous that Mr Justice Hodge has not defended his judge in this case. British justice has always been based on the principle of being completely open. How can it be open if a lawyer will not show her face?”
Massoud Shadjareh, of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, said: “Just because someone wears a veil in court does not mean they can’t do their job properly.
“We should take pride in the fact that our society recognises the rights and requirements of minorities and allows us the freedom to practise our religion. It is something that we should celebrate.”
But Labour MP Shahid Malik, one of Westminster’s four Muslim MPs, said: “Where a veil inhibits you from carrying out your job or your role in life, then your right to wear it is compromised.”
Behold the Peace of Islam:
Mohammed expresses his gratitude to the west for pointlessly
taking in Muslim immigrants
He was sentenced with
two others for stabbing and burning an innocent 15-year-old
Scottish boy to death.
Trio jailed for Kriss race murder
Three men have been jailed for life after they were found guilty of the racially motivated murder of white Glasgow teenager Kriss Donald.
Faisal Mushtaq, 27, Zeeshan Shahid, 28, and his brother Imran Shahid, 29, had denied murdering Kriss, 15, in 2004.
Kriss's mother Angela - quiet during the trial - shouted: "You bastards," as the jury delivered its verdict.
Imran Shahid must serve a minimum of 25 years, Zeeshan Shahid, 23 years minimum and Mushtaq, at least 22 years.
Outside the court, Ms Donald, 42, thanked police, the prosecution and witnesses.
She said: "Justice has been done, thank you - it is over."
The jury of nine women and six men took about eight-and-a-half hours to reach its verdict.
Imran Shahid was found guilty by unanimous verdict and the other two guilty by majority verdicts.
Sentencing, Lord Uist described Imran Shahid as "a thug and bully with a sadistic nature not fit to be free in civilised society".
He said Imran Shahid, known as Baldy, was the leader of the expedition.
"It was pre-meditated cold blooded execution, it truly was an abomination," Lord Uist added.
"The savage and barbaric nature of this crime has rightly shocked the public.
"Racially aggravated violence from whatever quarter will not be tolerated in Scotland."
'Horrendous crime'
Eyewitness accounts of the abduction, statements said to have been made by the accused, mobile phone records and forensic evidence against one of the men helped secure the convictions.
Kriss was stabbed 13 times and burns covered 70% of his body.
His death triggered an investigation that lasted more than two years and took detectives around Scotland and to Pakistan.
Asst Ch Const John Malcolm, of Strathclyde Police said: "As a force we would like to extend our personal thanks to Kriss's family for their co-operation, support and their understanding as the true nature of this horrendous crime unfolded.
"It is also important to acknowledge the support of the broader community.
"Everyone came together to support and inform our investigation, and through these actions, the community made it very clear that this sort of violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in any community."
Kriss was abducted near his home in a random act of racially motivated revenge by the gang on 15 March, 2004.
He was taken on a 200-mile journey across Scotland before being driven to a secluded spot on the banks of the River Clyde where he was murdered.
The Shahid brothers and Mushtaq had fled to Pakistan after murdering Kriss.
It was more than a year before they agreed to return and stand trial, after warrants were issued for their arrest.
'Defenceless boy'
During the trial, prosecutor Mark Stewart QC described the killing as "an appalling crime of inhumanity against a defenceless boy".
Over 27 days, the court heard how Kriss's badly burnt and semi-naked body was found by a cyclist on the secluded Clyde Walkway the morning after he was snatched from the street.
Expert witnesses said they believed the 15-year-old was still alive as his body burned.
Another man, Daanish Zahid, 20, is serving a minimum of 17 years for murdering Kriss after he was found guilty at a previous trial.
A fifth man, Zahid Mohammed, 22, served half of a five-year sentence after he admitted he had abducted Kriss.
He gave evidence at the trial of the Shahid brothers and Mushtaq.
Mr Stewart revealed that all three had records - including serious violence in the case of Huddersfield-born father-of-two Imran Shahid.
He was jailed for four-and-a-half years at the High Court in Glasgow in May 1995 for serious assault and was sentenced to 30 months in February 2003 for assault to danger of life and dangerous driving.
Mushtaq's record, mostly for road traffic offences, also includes assaults.
Zeeshan Shahid has served an 18-month sentence for culpable and reckless conduct and reckless damage.
Race hate killers get 70 years
Faisal Mushtaq, 27, Zeeshan Shahid, 28, and his brother Imran Shahid, 29, had denied murdering Kriss, 15, in 2004.
Kriss's mother Angela - quiet during the trial - shouted: "You bastards," as the jury delivered its verdict.
Imran Shahid must serve a minimum of 25 years, Zeeshan Shahid, 23 years minimum and Mushtaq, at least 22 years.
Outside the court, Ms Donald, 42, thanked police, the prosecution and witnesses.
She said: "Justice has been done, thank you - it is over."
The jury of nine women and six men took about eight-and-a-half hours to reach its verdict.
Imran Shahid was found guilty by unanimous verdict and the other two guilty by majority verdicts.
Sentencing, Lord Uist described Imran Shahid as "a thug and bully with a sadistic nature not fit to be free in civilised society".
He said Imran Shahid, known as Baldy, was the leader of the expedition.
"It was pre-meditated cold blooded execution, it truly was an abomination," Lord Uist added.
"The savage and barbaric nature of this crime has rightly shocked the public.
"Racially aggravated violence from whatever quarter will not be tolerated in Scotland."
'Horrendous crime'
Eyewitness accounts of the abduction, statements said to have been made by the accused, mobile phone records and forensic evidence against one of the men helped secure the convictions.
Kriss was stabbed 13 times and burns covered 70% of his body.
His death triggered an investigation that lasted more than two years and took detectives around Scotland and to Pakistan.
Asst Ch Const John Malcolm, of Strathclyde Police said: "As a force we would like to extend our personal thanks to Kriss's family for their co-operation, support and their understanding as the true nature of this horrendous crime unfolded.
"It is also important to acknowledge the support of the broader community.
"Everyone came together to support and inform our investigation, and through these actions, the community made it very clear that this sort of violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in any community."
Kriss was abducted near his home in a random act of racially motivated revenge by the gang on 15 March, 2004.
He was taken on a 200-mile journey across Scotland before being driven to a secluded spot on the banks of the River Clyde where he was murdered.
The Shahid brothers and Mushtaq had fled to Pakistan after murdering Kriss.
It was more than a year before they agreed to return and stand trial, after warrants were issued for their arrest.
'Defenceless boy'
During the trial, prosecutor Mark Stewart QC described the killing as "an appalling crime of inhumanity against a defenceless boy".
Over 27 days, the court heard how Kriss's badly burnt and semi-naked body was found by a cyclist on the secluded Clyde Walkway the morning after he was snatched from the street.
Expert witnesses said they believed the 15-year-old was still alive as his body burned.
Another man, Daanish Zahid, 20, is serving a minimum of 17 years for murdering Kriss after he was found guilty at a previous trial.
A fifth man, Zahid Mohammed, 22, served half of a five-year sentence after he admitted he had abducted Kriss.
He gave evidence at the trial of the Shahid brothers and Mushtaq.
Mr Stewart revealed that all three had records - including serious violence in the case of Huddersfield-born father-of-two Imran Shahid.
He was jailed for four-and-a-half years at the High Court in Glasgow in May 1995 for serious assault and was sentenced to 30 months in February 2003 for assault to danger of life and dangerous driving.
Mushtaq's record, mostly for road traffic offences, also includes assaults.
Zeeshan Shahid has served an 18-month sentence for culpable and reckless conduct and reckless damage.
Race hate killers get 70 years
Asians thrown off flight
COPS marched four Asian men off a plane after a passenger said their behaviour made him nervous.
The men — in Islamic robes — were arguing in a foreign language and then all went to the toilet, one after the other.
A fellow traveller on the Luton to Glasgow easyJet flight demanded they be kicked off — just as the plane was to taxi to the runway.
Cabin crew alerted the captain and cops were called, who took the men, all in their 20s, off the plane.
Everyone else on board was then ordered off with their hand luggage while the crew searched the cabin.
The jet took off an hour and ten minutes late at 10pm on Wednesday.
Another passenger said: "A Scottish bloke in his 20s who was sat beside them clearly thought something was up. He was arguing strongly that these lads were up to no good and should be taken off.
"Considering they had just got on a minute before, their behaviour was pretty bizarre. I think other people were worried.
"The men were all wearing jackets over long Islamic robes. They had beards and looked like Muslims."
In August Asian students Sohail Ashraf, 21, and Khurram Zeb, 22, were thrown off a jet as passengers wrongly thought they were terrorists
The men — in Islamic robes — were arguing in a foreign language and then all went to the toilet, one after the other.
A fellow traveller on the Luton to Glasgow easyJet flight demanded they be kicked off — just as the plane was to taxi to the runway.
Cabin crew alerted the captain and cops were called, who took the men, all in their 20s, off the plane.
Everyone else on board was then ordered off with their hand luggage while the crew searched the cabin.
The jet took off an hour and ten minutes late at 10pm on Wednesday.
Another passenger said: "A Scottish bloke in his 20s who was sat beside them clearly thought something was up. He was arguing strongly that these lads were up to no good and should be taken off.
"Considering they had just got on a minute before, their behaviour was pretty bizarre. I think other people were worried.
"The men were all wearing jackets over long Islamic robes. They had beards and looked like Muslims."
In August Asian students Sohail Ashraf, 21, and Khurram Zeb, 22, were thrown off a jet as passengers wrongly thought they were terrorists
200 terror cells in UK
EVERY Briton is now a target for terrorists whatever their faith or race, MI5’s boss declared
Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller outlined the terrifying prospect as she told how her agents are tracking 1,600 fanatics from 200 al-Qaeda cells.
In a rare briefing, the spy chief warned of a sustained campaign of indiscriminate terrorism lasting 30 YEARS.
And she said: "It aims to wear down our will to resist. All of us, whatever our ethnicity and faith, are the targets of terrorists."
In a nightmare vision, Dame Eliza also told of the "daunting" menace facing Britain, in which:
THIRTY active terrorist plots are under investigation by the security services.
MANY more have yet to be uncovered.
SIX major attacks have been foiled in the last six years.
FANATICS are poised to use biological, radioactive or even nuclear weapons.
RECRUITMENT to terror cells of young Muslims — some still schoolkids — is exploding, with many groomed to be suicide bombers, and
MI5 is struggling to cope with a staggering 80 per cent increase in casework since January, leaving its 2,800 spooks at full stretch and potentially unable to "stop the next attack".
Dame Eliza said: "The threat is serious, growing and will, I believe, be with us for a generation.
"Today we see the use of home-made improvised explosive devices. Tomorrow’s threat may — and I suggest WILL — include the use of chemicals, bacteriological agents, radioactive materials and even nuclear technology."
Dame Eliza was addressing a small academic circle in East London called the Mile End Group.
She spelled out how MI5 was having to make tough choices over which suspects to track.
She said: "My officers and the police are working to contend with some 200 groupings or networks, totalling over 1,600 identified individuals who are actively engaged in plotting or facilitating terrorist acts here and overseas.
"And there will be many we don’t know, too.
"More and more people are moving from passive sympathy towards active terrorism through being radicalised or indoctrinated by friends, families, in organised training events here and overseas, by images on TV, through internet chatrooms and websites."
She told how al-Qaeda posts videos of bombings in Iraq on the net within half an hour — and uses them to brainwash British Muslim kids.
She said: "Chillingly, we see the results — young teenagers groomed to be suicide bombers.
"We are aware of numerous plots to kill people and damage our economy. What do I mean by numerous? Five? Ten? No, nearer 30 . . . that we know of."
Dame Eliza told how up to 200 plots of lower priority are not given blanket surveillance. Often, they are linked to terror warlords in Pakistan who guide and train British "foot soldiers".
Dame Eliza said: "Killing oneself and others is an attractive option for some citizens.
"It is the youth who are being actively targeted, groomed, radicalised and set on a path that frighteningly quickly could end in their involvement in mass murder of their fellow UK citizens — or their early death in a suicide attack or on a foreign battlefield."
Dame Eliza told how many of her agents were flat-out collecting intelligence "at some cost to their private lives and, in some cases, their safety".
Making a plea for more resources, she warned the service was in danger of being overwhelmed. By contrast, she said: "Al-Qaeda has no restraints."
She told how the harsh reality of being a spy was worlds apart from its TV portrayal in the drama series Spooks.
She said: "I wish life were like Spooks, where everything is knowable and soluble by six people.
"But those whose plans we wish to detect in advance are determined to conceal from us what they intend to do."
She added: "We are faced by difficult choices. We cannot focus on everything so we have to decide where to focus our energies, whom to follow, whose telephone lines need listening to.
"We shan’t always make the right choices. And we recognise we shall have scarce sympathy if we are unable to prevent one of our targets committing an atrocity."
Chancellor Gordon Brown has poured in enough cash for MI5 to double in size over seven years.
But Dame Eliza said: "Even with such rapid growth we shall not be in a position to investigate nearly enough of the problem."
Blair backs MI5 terrorism warning
Blair warns of 'long, deep struggle' against terrorism
Terror threatScale of activity means hard choices for bosses at MI5
Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller outlined the terrifying prospect as she told how her agents are tracking 1,600 fanatics from 200 al-Qaeda cells.
In a rare briefing, the spy chief warned of a sustained campaign of indiscriminate terrorism lasting 30 YEARS.
And she said: "It aims to wear down our will to resist. All of us, whatever our ethnicity and faith, are the targets of terrorists."
In a nightmare vision, Dame Eliza also told of the "daunting" menace facing Britain, in which:
THIRTY active terrorist plots are under investigation by the security services.
MANY more have yet to be uncovered.
SIX major attacks have been foiled in the last six years.
FANATICS are poised to use biological, radioactive or even nuclear weapons.
RECRUITMENT to terror cells of young Muslims — some still schoolkids — is exploding, with many groomed to be suicide bombers, and
MI5 is struggling to cope with a staggering 80 per cent increase in casework since January, leaving its 2,800 spooks at full stretch and potentially unable to "stop the next attack".
Dame Eliza said: "The threat is serious, growing and will, I believe, be with us for a generation.
"Today we see the use of home-made improvised explosive devices. Tomorrow’s threat may — and I suggest WILL — include the use of chemicals, bacteriological agents, radioactive materials and even nuclear technology."
Dame Eliza was addressing a small academic circle in East London called the Mile End Group.
She spelled out how MI5 was having to make tough choices over which suspects to track.
She said: "My officers and the police are working to contend with some 200 groupings or networks, totalling over 1,600 identified individuals who are actively engaged in plotting or facilitating terrorist acts here and overseas.
"And there will be many we don’t know, too.
"More and more people are moving from passive sympathy towards active terrorism through being radicalised or indoctrinated by friends, families, in organised training events here and overseas, by images on TV, through internet chatrooms and websites."
She told how al-Qaeda posts videos of bombings in Iraq on the net within half an hour — and uses them to brainwash British Muslim kids.
She said: "Chillingly, we see the results — young teenagers groomed to be suicide bombers.
"We are aware of numerous plots to kill people and damage our economy. What do I mean by numerous? Five? Ten? No, nearer 30 . . . that we know of."
Dame Eliza told how up to 200 plots of lower priority are not given blanket surveillance. Often, they are linked to terror warlords in Pakistan who guide and train British "foot soldiers".
Dame Eliza said: "Killing oneself and others is an attractive option for some citizens.
"It is the youth who are being actively targeted, groomed, radicalised and set on a path that frighteningly quickly could end in their involvement in mass murder of their fellow UK citizens — or their early death in a suicide attack or on a foreign battlefield."
Dame Eliza told how many of her agents were flat-out collecting intelligence "at some cost to their private lives and, in some cases, their safety".
Making a plea for more resources, she warned the service was in danger of being overwhelmed. By contrast, she said: "Al-Qaeda has no restraints."
She told how the harsh reality of being a spy was worlds apart from its TV portrayal in the drama series Spooks.
She said: "I wish life were like Spooks, where everything is knowable and soluble by six people.
"But those whose plans we wish to detect in advance are determined to conceal from us what they intend to do."
She added: "We are faced by difficult choices. We cannot focus on everything so we have to decide where to focus our energies, whom to follow, whose telephone lines need listening to.
"We shan’t always make the right choices. And we recognise we shall have scarce sympathy if we are unable to prevent one of our targets committing an atrocity."
Chancellor Gordon Brown has poured in enough cash for MI5 to double in size over seven years.
But Dame Eliza said: "Even with such rapid growth we shall not be in a position to investigate nearly enough of the problem."
Blair backs MI5 terrorism warning
Blair warns of 'long, deep struggle' against terrorism
Terror threatScale of activity means hard choices for bosses at MI5
Woman charged over terror handbooks
A woman has been charged with hoarding terrorist handbooks, including weapons manuals and poison information, on her computer.
Unemployed Samina Malik, 22, of Southall, west London, was charged with four offences under the Terrorism Act 2000.
Among the documents she is accused of possessing are the Al Qaida Manual, The Terrorists Handbook and The Mujahideen Poisons Handbook.
She is also accused of holding a sniper rifle manual, a firearms and rocket-propelled grenade handbook and a document entitled How To Win Hand To Hand Fighting. The offences are alleged to have taken place on October 27.
She will appear before City of Westminster Magistrates' Court in central London on Friday morning.
The Metropolitan Police said Malik faces four charges under two sections of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The first charge alleged that she possessed information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism on her computer hard drive. This was claimed to include The al Qaida Manual, The Terrorists Handbook and The Mujahideen Poisons Handbook. Further information included manuals for a 9mm pistol and an anti-tank weapon, a document on mines and demolition and a folder of other items.
Possession of items such as these is an offence under Section 57 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The second charge claimed Malik possessed "miscellaneous jottings" which may have been held for a purpose connected with terrorism, contrary to Section 57 of the Terrorism Act 2000. The third charge alleged that Malik collected the information, manuals and handbooks and they would be useful to a terrorist, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The fourth charge alleged that Malik possessed "miscellaneous jottings" likely to be useful to a terrorist, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Qur’an 9:5 “When the sacred forbidden months for fighting are past, fight and kill the disbelievers wherever you find them, take them captive, torture them, and lie in wait and ambush them using every stratagem of war.”
Unemployed Samina Malik, 22, of Southall, west London, was charged with four offences under the Terrorism Act 2000.
Among the documents she is accused of possessing are the Al Qaida Manual, The Terrorists Handbook and The Mujahideen Poisons Handbook.
She is also accused of holding a sniper rifle manual, a firearms and rocket-propelled grenade handbook and a document entitled How To Win Hand To Hand Fighting. The offences are alleged to have taken place on October 27.
She will appear before City of Westminster Magistrates' Court in central London on Friday morning.
The Metropolitan Police said Malik faces four charges under two sections of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The first charge alleged that she possessed information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism on her computer hard drive. This was claimed to include The al Qaida Manual, The Terrorists Handbook and The Mujahideen Poisons Handbook. Further information included manuals for a 9mm pistol and an anti-tank weapon, a document on mines and demolition and a folder of other items.
Possession of items such as these is an offence under Section 57 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The second charge claimed Malik possessed "miscellaneous jottings" which may have been held for a purpose connected with terrorism, contrary to Section 57 of the Terrorism Act 2000. The third charge alleged that Malik collected the information, manuals and handbooks and they would be useful to a terrorist, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The fourth charge alleged that Malik possessed "miscellaneous jottings" likely to be useful to a terrorist, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Qur’an 9:5 “When the sacred forbidden months for fighting are past, fight and kill the disbelievers wherever you find them, take them captive, torture them, and lie in wait and ambush them using every stratagem of war.”
Thursday, November 09, 2006
GUILTY.
A man who called for the killing of British troops has been found guilty of stirring up racial hatred at a rally.
Mizanur Rahman, of Palmers Green, north London, was arrested after a protest at the UK's Danish Embassy over cartoons depicting Muhammad.
The cartoons had been published by newspapers in Denmark and other European countries.
The Old Bailey jury was unable to reach a verdict on a separate charge of inciting murder.
Web designer Rahman, who had denied both charges, was remanded in custody while the prosecution decide whether there will be a retrial over that charge.
The 23-year-old was arrested after a rally in London on 3 February which was attended by some 300 Muslims.
The Old Bailey heard he addressed the protest on the issue of UK troops in Iraq, saying: "We want to see their blood running in the streets of Baghdad."
Body bags
David Perry QC, prosecuting, had told the jury Rahman had also called for more 9/11-style attacks.
"What he said was this: 'Oh Allah, we want to see another 9/11 in Iraq, another 9/11 in Denmark, another 9/11 in Spain, in France, all over Europe'," Mr Perry said.
The prosecution said Rahman was also filmed calling for troops to be brought back to the UK in body bags.
He was also photographed holding placards which said: "Annihilate those who insult Islam."
'Speaker's Corner'
In his defence Rahman said he had no intention of anyone carrying out the actions he called for.
His counsel, John Burton, told members of the jury it was not enough for them to be "offended, shocked and distressed" by the comments.
"It is a matter of whether a serious crime has taken place," he added.
Mr Burton likened the defendant's comments to those heard at Speaker's Corner in London's Hyde Park.
The case was adjourned until Monday for the Crown to consider its position.
The jury had spent two days considering the charges.
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Mizanur Rahman, of Palmers Green, north London, was arrested after a protest at the UK's Danish Embassy over cartoons depicting Muhammad.
The cartoons had been published by newspapers in Denmark and other European countries.
The Old Bailey jury was unable to reach a verdict on a separate charge of inciting murder.
Web designer Rahman, who had denied both charges, was remanded in custody while the prosecution decide whether there will be a retrial over that charge.
The 23-year-old was arrested after a rally in London on 3 February which was attended by some 300 Muslims.
The Old Bailey heard he addressed the protest on the issue of UK troops in Iraq, saying: "We want to see their blood running in the streets of Baghdad."
Body bags
David Perry QC, prosecuting, had told the jury Rahman had also called for more 9/11-style attacks.
"What he said was this: 'Oh Allah, we want to see another 9/11 in Iraq, another 9/11 in Denmark, another 9/11 in Spain, in France, all over Europe'," Mr Perry said.
The prosecution said Rahman was also filmed calling for troops to be brought back to the UK in body bags.
He was also photographed holding placards which said: "Annihilate those who insult Islam."
'Speaker's Corner'
In his defence Rahman said he had no intention of anyone carrying out the actions he called for.
His counsel, John Burton, told members of the jury it was not enough for them to be "offended, shocked and distressed" by the comments.
"It is a matter of whether a serious crime has taken place," he added.
Mr Burton likened the defendant's comments to those heard at Speaker's Corner in London's Hyde Park.
The case was adjourned until Monday for the Crown to consider its position.
The jury had spent two days considering the charges.
BBC VIDEO
As seen on BBC
VIDEO THE BBC WILL NOT SHOW YOU.
littlegreenfootballs
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