Local Community Angry Over Terror Arrests
Article published: Friday, November 20th 2009
Residents in Bolton have expressed their dismay over the continued detention of Shaykh Asif Farooqui, the 62-year-old preacher arrested during Monday morning’s terror raids.
The North West Counter Terrorism Unit have been granted an extention until Monday 23 November to question the men from Greater Manchester. According to Chief Constable Dave Thompson: “We have been granted an extension after a rigorous and independent scrutiny by the court.”
Despite the flurry of media attention earlier in the week over the operation, it seems the press have already lost interest in this story. It was reported on page 16 of yesterday’s Manchester Evening News how a large campaign has been launched across the region demanding the “immediate release” of Shaykh Farooqui. There were apparently more pressing news, such as page 2’s story about the ten stone dalmation.
In a statement, his family said: “It is simply incredible to those that know him and his work to imagine he could be involved in the promotion or incitement of any kind of violence.
“It is particularly shocking that, having influenced so many, young and old, male and female, to live as law-abiding, trustworthy citizens, he is now being accused of actions which he has so openly opposed for so long.
“He has always gone out of his way to foster good relations with the local police in order to work together as a community and this makes his arrest all the more disgraceful and unacceptable.”
The petition – which already has approaching 1,500 signatures – was set up at Shaykh Farooqui’s mosque the Al Rahman in Randal Street. It calls for the police “to acknowledge their error and release Shaykh Asif Hussain Farooqui without further delay.”
“Shaykh Asif Hussain Farooqui is a recognised teacher of outstanding personal integrity, and the core of his teaching is that a Muslim should strive to perfect his or her character in both worldly and spiritual spheres. Due to his influence, generations of law-abiding, tax-paying, hard-working Muslims in the United Kingdom have, and continue to make, a positive contribution both to the communities in which they reside in and beyond.
“By continuing to hold an individual of this calibre and standing, the police are severely undermining the important work that honest, good Muslims are doing in combating terrorism in the UK.”
The reactions among the local community appears to echo the sentiments of the petition. One neighbour remarked: “If I’d gone to the mosque and told people he was my neighbour, people would say you are lucky to have such a nice neighbour.
“He is very well respected in the community and all over. It is a very, very good family. I can’t believe this has happened.”
Chief Constable Thompson said he would “also like to reassure communities that we are continuing to work closely with local partners and key contacts to ensure that any relevant information is shared as quickly as possible”.
However, as of yet there is little information available on the other detainees. So many terror raids in Manchester over the past few years have proved unsubstantiated with no charges have been brought. The Home Office attempts has previously tried to deport those wrongfully arrested on grounds of ‘national security’, for which no evidence is needed.
Andy Lockhart
Shaykh Asif Hussain Farooqui is a recognised teacher of outstanding personal integrity, and the core of his teaching is that a Muslim should strive to perfect his or her character in both worldly and spiritual spheres. Due to his influence, generations of law-abiding, tax-paying, hard-working Muslims in the United Kingdom have, and continue to make, a positive contribution both to the communities in which they reside in and beyond.
Comments
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Another cock-up from GMP?
Comment by Free Movement for All on November 20, 2009 at 9:14 pm -
please sign on this site
http://www.freedombolton.co.uk
Comment by Yasir on November 21, 2009 at 12:03 am -
“Terror raids in Manchester over the past few years have all proved unsubstantiated and no charges have been brought against those arrested.”
Hmm:
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1086302_leading_uk_terrorist_guilty
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1033749_poison_plotters_jailed
And there’s more. Well researched as ever, Mule! Ever tried “google”?
Comment by paulio on November 23, 2009 at 4:07 pm -
Bad editing, more like.
The research, however, isn’t solely derived from a police press release, which makes it excellent in comparison to the rest of the media.
Comment by Ragnor on November 23, 2009 at 10:12 pm
The comments are closed.
