Speaking for Muslims - World Media Coverage

This is below all the media outlets I have been quoted in over the past day about the UK Government's attempts to introduce Stop and Question

(Reuters, UK, World News Australia, National Post, Canada, Gulf Daily News, Bahrain, Manawatu Standard, New Zealand, The Nelson Mail, New Zealand, Waikato Times, New Zealand, The Age, Australia, The Timaru Herald, New Zealand, Marlborough Express, New Zealand, The Dominion Post, New Zealand, Auckland stuff.co.nz, New Zealand, Reuters India, India, Sydney Morning Herald, Australia, The Age, Australia, Reuters AlertNet, UK, ABC Online, Australia, Brisbane Times, Australia, The West Australian, Australia, Malaysia Star, Malaysia, Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia, NEWS.com.au, Australia, The Australian, Australia, Stuff.co.nz, New Zealand, Sunday Times.au, Australia, Courier Mail, Australia, Daily Telegraph, Australia, Advertiser Adelaide, Australia, Javno.hr, Croatia, Yahoo News, UK, EU Politics Today, Brussels )

Mohammed Shafiq, spokesman for the Ramadhan Foundation, a Muslim youth organisation set up to counter extremists, voiced concern it would be mainly minority communities that
would be stopped and questioned under the proposed new powers.

"We feel that the government's proposals are going to alienate the Muslim community further," he told Reuters.

Blair sparks row with anti-terror powers bid

By Adrian Croft

LONDON (Reuters) - Civil rights and community groups criticised a proposal by Prime Minister Tony Blair on Sunday to give police broad powers to stop and question people as part of a new anti-terrorism law.
Critics said the proposed measure risked alienating the Muslim community whose support the government needed to combat militants and an opposition politician said Blair was pushing for the powers of a police state.

An interior ministry spokeswoman said the government was looking at including the "stop and question" power in new anti-terrorism legislation.
It would enable police to question people about who they are, where they have been and where they were going, according to the Sunday Times newspaper.
Plans for the measure emerged as Blair, who is due to resign in a month, attacked as a "dangerous misjudgement" Britain's determination to defend civil liberties rather than take tougher action to counter extremists.

"We have chosen as a society to put the civil liberties of the suspect, even if a foreign national, first. I happen to believe this is misguided and wrong," he wrote in the Sunday Times.
Police Minister Tony McNulty said the government would consult widely on its proposals before introducing new legislation in October or November -- by which time Blair will have handed over power to finance minister Gordon Brown.

Mohammed Shafiq, spokesman for the Ramadhan Foundation, a Muslim youth organisation set up to counter extremists, voiced concern it would be mainly minority communities that would be stopped and questioned under the proposed new powers.

"We feel that the government's proposals are going to alienate the Muslim community further," he told Reuters.

COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE

Doug Jewell, of civil rights group Liberty, told the BBC the measure was unnecessary and would be counter-productive.

One of Blair's own ministers, Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain, urged caution on new anti-terrorism powers.

"We've got to be very careful that we don't create circumstances that are the domestic equivalent of Guantanamo Bay," he told the BBC, referring to the U.S. prison camp for terrorism suspects on Cuba.

Nick Clegg, of the Liberal Democrats, accused Blair and interior minister John Reid of "pushing for the powers of a police state".

Blair's government passed tough anti-terrorism measures after the September 2001 attacks on U.S. cities and again after four British Muslim suicide bombers killed 52 people on London's transport network in July 2005.

Some measures Blair wanted -- such as a police power to hold terrorism suspects for up to 90 days without charge -- have been blocked by parliament or the courts.
Last week, the government was embarrassed when three men suspected of planning attacks on British or U.S. troops abroad absconded.

Asbos for terror suspects ‘shock’ Mohammed Shafiq interview

A CAMPAIGNING Muslim youth organisation has attacked the government’s suggestion of giving Asbos to people they suspect are involved in terrorism.
The Rochdale-based Ramadhan Foundation said they were "appaled" following the Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith's announcement for plans to use special police and legal teams to target those preaching hate, using anti-social behaviour orders where they cannot be prosecuted.
He said the idea follows the successful use of Asbos to stop animal rights extremists from harassing the public.
Spokesperson for the Foundation, Mohammed Shafiq said: "The fact that this is coming from Lord Goldsmith - the Attorney General - whose role is to ensure that the process of law is being carried out and that the due process reaches its conclusion is appaling.
"This proposal smacks against the right to a free and fair trial and goes against many principles of justice gathered over hundreds of years.
"Those that are suspected of involvement in terrorism and extremism should and must be put on trial and the evidence presented, if they are found guilty, so be it.”

This is a short webcast by Mohammed Shafiq, Press Spokesman about the Government's refusal to hold a full and public inquiry into the 7/7 attacks, for further information www.ramadhanfoundation.com

click here for the Webcast

Your feedback is essential, email at contactme@mohammedshafiq.org.uk

Race hate campaign features swastika stickers

Police have launched an investigation over claims that a neo-nazi gang has launched a campaign of hate in Shawclough.It comes after the Observer was alerted to several fluorescent stickers said to originate from extremist group Combat 18 were posted on lampposts across Heights Lane. Depicting a masked man holding a gun and a swastika logo, the notices warn that the group which has links to violence and arson attacks is ‘in the area’.Ward Councillor Elwyn Watkins visited the alleged crime scene after he was notified by a concerned friend, who had swiftly removed a number of the offensive stickers.He said: “This is a nice area where everyone gets on with everyone. We do not want these racist thugs here. While areas like Burnley and Oldham have been subject to race riots, Rochdale has not. We want it to stay that way.”He added: “I have heard of other cases where stickers such as these have been removed only to find razorblades tucked away underneath. I would urge anyone who sees one of these stickers not to remove them but contact the council’s environmental management department.”Muslim campaigners at the Ramadhan Foundation are also calling for a zero-tolerance approach. Spokesman Mohammed Shafiq said: “We are absolutely appalled by this sort of behaviour. The vast majority of people will not tolerate will not tolerate these thugs, bigots and criminals in Rochdale. I urge the public to stay calm.” The stickers will now be examined by forensic experts, while Rochdale north Inspector Stuart Hey is also asking anyone with information to come forward by calling 0161 856 8523. He said: “We are taking this matter very seriously.”

MOHAMMED SHAFIQ ON MORE4 IN "LOOKING FOR ENGLAND " 23/04/2007 @ 10PM

During the summer of 2006 Channel 4 spent some time with Mohammed Shafiq, Press Spokesman and filmed the Ramadhan Foundation at a special event titled "Tackling extremism".

This programme will be broadcasted this Monday 23rd April 2007 at 10.00pm on More4, Sky and Virgin media channels 142 and on Freeview Channel 13.

More4 Premiere: Filmed in the summer of 2006 - during and after the World Cup - Peter Gordon's insightful and revealing documentary Looking for England explores the notion of 'Britishness' through a series of contributions from across the UK. Set against English townscapes and landscapes, it's a patchwork quilt of attitudes, opinions and reflections on the notion of modern 'Englishness', as well as the struggle for some to differentiate between Englishness and Britishness.

There are those whose families have lived here for many generations, and those who are the first generation to be born here, as well as the very new citizen. Young British Asian businessmen talk about the struggle between traditional family and religious values and everyday life in a very mixed society; the father of a soldier killed in Iraq talks eloquently of his son's patriotism and his own love of the national flag, whilst lamenting an unnecessary war in which those who have died will soon be forgotten. An over-arching desire to belong, an appreciation of democracy and freedom, and an undercurrent of fear for the future and the will to make it all work unites these disparate voices in Gordon's Looking for England . Dir: Peter Gordon; Prod Co: Century Films Ltd

Mr. Mohammed Shafiq, Press Spokesman comments:

“The Ramadhan Foundation was honoured to take part in this programme at a time when there is an important debate about integration and cohesion going on in this country. Our participation shows the positive contribution Muslims are making in the UK.

Whilst it is easy for politicians to demonise a whole community to score cheap political points, the Ramadhan Foundation is seriously working in grassroots communities to tackle the issues that face our diverse communities, we hope the Government sits up and listen to our thoughts and contributions”

The Ramadhan Foundation is the UK's leading Muslim youth organisation that is working for peaceful co-existence and dialogue for all communities. Based in Greater Manchester and working to also create the platform for Muslim unity amongst our communities in the UK.

Attending War crimes Conference in Malaysia

Last week I had the honour of being part of the UK delegation lead by the Ramadhan Foundation to the international Conference organised by the Perdan Global Peace organisation titled "Expose war crimes and Criminalise war", it was hosted by Tun Dr Mohamad Mahathir, 4th Prime Ministerof Malaysia at the Putra World Trace Centre, Kuala Lumpur. It was addressed by renowed international speakers from across the world with personal testimony from victims of war crimes - from Jenin in Palestine to Fallujah in Iraq, taking in Lebanon and Afghanistan.

The main aim of the Conference was to criminalise war and bring those who carried war crimes to justice, it saw a creation of a war crimes tribunal to trial George Bush, Tony Blair, John Howard and the other cronies who are responsible for the killings of many thousands of innocent people.

I was amazed by the humbleness of the Malaysian people, their hospitality and warmth. There commitment to diversity and multi culturalism is evident in the fact all religious holidays for all faiths Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist are celebrated as public holidays – can you imagine it being like that in the West!!!

(Tun Dr Mohamad Mahathir, Former PM)

Having travelled around the world apart from the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, this is the next best place. The balance of religion and secular is self evident in the buildings and financial companies based there

I would recommend the city to all, 2007 is their 50th anniversary of their independence and also Visit Malaysia 2007

I am now off to London to speak at the United against Fascism Conference, this conference will set out how to deal with the BNP and fascism, will report back on progress

Saddam Execution

Prescott attacks 'deplorable' images of Saddam execution (The Independent)

By Andy McSmith

Published: 03 January 2007
An Iraqi prosecutor revealed yesterday that he almost halted the execution of Saddam Hussein because of the behaviour of witnesses who were taunting the condemned man. The Iraqi government announced an inquiry into chaotic scenes at the execution, which the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, condemned as "deplorable".

Munqith al-Faroon, one of the prosecutors in the trial, said two officials who were present at the execution had broken the rules by bringing their mobile phones, which were used to record the event. The leaked footage of the former dictator's final moments has provoked a backlash among Sunni Arabs, who see the execution as an act of sectarian revenge by Iraq's Shia-dominated government.

Mr Faroon said he threatened to leave unless the taunting of Saddam stopped. "They knew that if I left, the execution could not go ahead," he told the Associated Press news agency. Under Iraqi law a prosecution observer must be present.

Mr Prescott avoided any direct criticism of the Iraqi government, which has been embarrassed by the reaction to the recording of the execution. Mr Prescott's comments appeared to reflect growing concern in British government circles about the impact of Saddam's final, public humiliation on Iraq's disaffected Sunni minority.

Up to now, ministers have confined themselves to routine statements that Britain opposes the death penalty, while insisting that it was right that the former dictator should be put on trial. But, Mr Prescott insisted, the secret filming of Saddam's last minutes should be condemned "whatever your views about capital punishment".

"I think the manner was quite deplorable really," Mr Prescott told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. "I don't think one can endorse in any way that, whatever your views about capital punishment. Frankly, to get the kind of recorded messages coming out is totally unacceptable and I think whoever is involved and responsible for it should be ashamed of themselves."

The Government's previous reluctance to comment on the circumstances of the execution angered Labour MPs who opposed the war. The former defence minister, Peter Kilfoyle, condemned Tony Blair's silence on the issue as "yet another error in a long catalogue" on Iraq.

A leading member of the largest Sunni parliamentary bloc said the images damaged Shia Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's attempts at national reconciliation. Saleem al-Jibouri of the Iraqi Accordance Front told Reuters: "The big question is how serious is the government in calling for national reconciliation."

An official of Iraq's Justice Ministry said that some guards appeared to have breached instructions not to bring mobile phones or cameras. He added: "The Iraqi government is going to have an investigation into what happened. This operation should be done with the highest standards of discipline and with respect for the condemned man, both when he's alive and once he's dead. Anything that did not meet those standards should be accounted for." An adviser to Mr Maliki added: "There were a few guards who shouted slogans that were inappropriate and that's now the subject of a government investigation."

UK Muslims have so much to learn from the US

I've just returned from the United States where I learnt more about Muslims in the US. The challenges for the UK Muslim community is to be more committed to Homeland secuirty and protecting the United Kingdom from potential extremists and terrorists.

We have to take pride in our nation and the values of freedom and equality. But the Government has to invest in education, this is the biggest tool to defeat the terrorists and extremists.

This is what i will be campaigning for in our community and in the UK

Veil row: MP is urged to back-track or resign Rochdale Observer

Veil row: MP is urged to back-track or resign

CONTROVERSY ... MP Phil WoolasA MUSLIM youth organisation has called on MP Phil Woolas to withdraw his words or resign over his comments that a classroom assistant should be sacked for wearing a face-concealing niqab veil.

Local government minister Mr Woolas, whose brief includes race relations, stepped into the row surrounding Aishah Azmi who is facing an industrial tribunal after refusing to remove her veil in front of male colleagues.

The move followed complaints that children at Headfield Church of England School, Dewsbury, found her difficult to understand because they could not see her lips move.

AdvertisementMr Woolas – whose Oldham East and Saddleworth constituency includes Milnrow, Newhey and Shaw – caused a stir after telling the Sunday Mirror that the 23-year-old had ‘put herself in a position where she can’t find a job’ and warned that she could be breaking sex discrimination rules.

Mohammed Shafiq, spokesman for the Rochdale-based Ramadhan Foundation, which describes itself as a youth organisation working for peaceful co-existence and dialogue for all communities, is calling for a climb-down from Mr Woolas.

He said: “We are deeply worried at the constant media frenzy against Islam and Muslims in the UK. There is a debate to have on integration and increasing respect for all people in a free society, but this must not be done in this current climate of fear and demonisation.

“It is absurd the government, via Phil Woolas, is passing judgement on individual cases even before the employment tribunal has had the opportunity to pass judgement.

“Ministers must never interfere in the due process of law. For the racial equality minister to make these comments is deeply worrying and patronising. He should withdraw his remarks or he should resign from the government.

“Contrary to belief Muslims are ready for debate, but we cannot allow this obsession with attacking Islam and the way we practise Islam.”

But Mr Woolas remains unrepentant, saying that he was merely exercising his democratic right as a government minister to speak out.

He said: “This was a judgement for the headteacher and she has made it. The woman was offered a compromise of being able to wear the veil in the staff room, but she refused that offer.

“While I have no problem with people wearing what they want, the children’s education is the most important issue at stake.

“Muslim teachers in that school also do not support the wearing of the veil and it’s a big mistake for some people to assume that the Muslim community has a homogenous view.”