CAR BOMB FOUND IN LONDON

Published: 29/06/2007 17:30

The Ramadhan Foundation expresses its worry over the car bomb found in Central London today. We are fortunate that the car bomb was made safe and that there were no casualties.
We pay tribute to the Police for their hard work in protecting our country, their dedication and commitment to public safety is a beacon for many others to follow. The police are carrying out an important role in protecting our nation.

We urge the British people to remain calm and vigilant.

Mr Mohammed Shafiq, Press Spokesman comments:

“On behalf of the Ramadhan Foundation we express our thanks to the Police for disabling today’s car bomb, it is times like this we realise the hard work the police do to protect our safety.

I would urge the British people to remain calm and vigilant to any further potential devices.

Only together can we work to stop this threat”

END

Notes for editors

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.

For further information contact:
Mr. Mohammed Shafiq
Press Spokesman
Mohammed.shafiq@ramadhanfoundation.com
07814835912

Action urged over honour killings

ITN - Tuesday, June 12 06:42 am

More should be to be done to stop women becoming victims of so-called honour crimes, campaigners have said. They spoke out following the conviction of Mahmod Mahmod over the murder of his daughter Banaz.

Her uncle Ari Mahmod was also found guilty of murder after a trial at the Old Bailey. Banaz was strangled with a bootlace and then buried in a suitcase after falling in love with a man her family did not approve of.

Campaign group the Southall Black Sisters has called for a "robust approach" in tackling so-called honour killings and demanded an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission into the case.

Mohammed Shafiq, spokesman for the Ramadhan Foundation, spoke of the group's horror at the case. He said: "We wish to make clear that the illegal practice of forced marriages and honour killings are not from Islam and Islam specifically condemns and forbids them.

"We offer our deepest sympathies to the victim's family and welcome the verdict. "The Ramadhan Foundation today calls on all Mosques, Imams and Muslim organisations to speak up and confront these issues; only with this essential debate can we send the message that this can never be tolerated.

"We will shortly be publishing expert guidance on why Islam forbids this behaviour, how we confront those that practise these issues and we can eradicate them."

It has also emerged that a number of police officers are facing an internal disciplinary investigation over the case amid claims by fellow officers that Banaz would still be alive if she had done her job properly.

Banaz told police she feared for her life four times before she disappeared and even gave them a list of three men she thought would murder her. One of the men she named later admitted to his part in the crime while the other two have fled the country.

During the trial, Detective Inspector Caroline Goode, who led the investigation into Banaz's death, said she had spoken to officers about "mistakes" in dealing with her.

No matter what people do, they will never be able to change Islam!!!!

Over the past few weeks we have watched UK Government Ministers talked about the moderate version of Islam, how these groups should stand up and speak and change Islam. We have never seen Islam changing because Allah has protected the Deen and perserved the faith. No matter what humans may do or try they will ultimately fail as Allah is the best of planners.

This does not mean we in the Muslim community do not have any problems, we have an issue with a very small minority of people who wish to kill innocent people indiscrimnately, they claim to be Muslims but the Scholars are clear that Islam does not sanction the killing of innocent people. We have an Islamic duty to take them on and defeat their views and help them reform because how can our faith be hijacked in this way.

I am proud that the work I have contributed to the debate is welcomed by all sides as principled, honest and frank about the challenges we face. As British citizens we have a duty to ensure that we live by the rule of law and that we celebrate our achievements and contributions to British society either politically, socially, economically etc.

Having said this we have seen a supposely Centre Left Government take away individual civil liberties that took hundreds of years to get and many lives were lost fighting for them. The Government has passed legislation that takes away presumption of innocence and the right to a fair and open trial, we have seen over 22, 000 stop and searches done to minority communities under the Anti Terror laws in London, only 23 arrests, we have seen thousands of innocent people arrested, humilated, discrimanated and tarnished without a single apology. This is no way to defeat terrorism.

The biggest recruiting sargeant for terrorists is the double standards in UK foreign policy, the illegal war in Iraq, the blind support for Israeli aggresision against Palestinians and Lebanonese, Guantanamo Bay, Abu Garib scandal, when we see Muslims lands occupied and our people oppressed people go to the extreme. This is not my view but the view of Sir Michael Jay, Former Permanent Secretary at the Foreign Office who said that by UK going into an illegal war in Iraq the UK was at an increased risk of terrorism.

I have been consistent in my opposition to terrorism and extremism and have also been consistent in opposing the Government on the many issues as described above, I will continue this work regardless.

Britain to emphasise Islamic studies

LONDON (Reuters) - The government announced a new emphasis on Islamic studies on Monday in an attempt to offset fears of extremism but was only able to come up with an extra one million pounds ($2 million) to fund the initiative.

The relatively small boost to funding follows a review of university Islamic studies courses that found that curriculums were frequently out of date or focused on narrow interpretations of Islam.

It also comes amid increasing tension between Britain and its 1.7 million-strong Muslim community, particularly since the July 7, 2005, suicide attacks by young Muslims on London's transport system that killed 52 people.

The subject will now be designated as "strategically important", with an emphasis placed on how and by whom it is taught, and a wider variety of students, including more Muslims, encouraged to study it.

"This would in turn contribute to preventing violent extremism in the name of Islam and improving community cohesion," the department for education said in a statement.
"It is important that the study of Islamic studies within higher education is up to date and focuses on relevant issues."

The initiative follows a government commissioned report which found that Islamic studies teaching at degree level often concentrated too much on a Middle Eastern focus, while ignoring the realities of Islam in modern Britain.

Speaking at an International Conference on Islam and Muslims in London, Prime Minister Tony Blair referred to the need for increased emphasis on Islamic studies, saying the "true voice of Islam" needed to be heard.

"There is an interest and appetite across all sections of society to know more about Islam in all its diversity," Blair said. "This is not, repeat not, about equating interest in Islam with anxiety over extremism. But it explains, in part, the desire to learn about what motivates our Muslim communities."

University administrators welcomed the government's initiative while cautioning that any changes to the curriculum should ensure that "critical intellectual rigour" remains.

"It is important that all academic disciplines follow the normal quality procedures," said Drummond Bone, the president of Universities UK, a vice-chancellors' organisation.

The Ramadan Foundation, a non-politically affiliated Muslim youth organisation, also cautiously welcomed the initiative and Blair's speech, but warned that words would not be enough.

"The government's very good at announcing things... but when it comes to substance there's often not much there," said Mohammed Shafiq, a spokesman for the group.

"You have to judge the prime minister on his record, and the fact is his government has introduced lots of legislation that discriminates against Muslims. What he's done in Iraq and Afghanistan has contributed to terrorism."
(Additional reporting by Adrian Croft)

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.