Muslim leader accuses police of being 'over cautious' in stopping Asian gangs pimping white girls

A muslim leader has accused the police of failing to tackle Asian gangs suspected of prostituting young white girls.

Officers are accused of being "over cautious" when investigating Muslim criminals because they fear being branded racist.

Last night Mohammed Shafiq, director of the Ramadhan Foundation, said the police were differentiating between criminals on the basis of race.

He claimed, driven by fear of race riots in places like Blackburn and Oldham, officers were "overtly sensitive" and not clamping down on the sordid practice.

His controversial comments in this week's Panorama reignite a massively controversial issue which exploded over a Channel 4 documentary in 2004.

That programme which claimed Asian men in Bradford were grooming under age white girls for prostitution was pulled from C4's schedules.

This was because police claimed at the time that it could provoke racial violence during the local election campaign.

Now the BBC is to risk the wrath of police officials and campaigners by airing a programme which will look at the same issue.

Speaking as part of the Panorama investigation, which airs tomorrow (Thursday), Shafiq said: "I think the police are overcautious on dealing with this issue openly because they fear being branded racist and I think that is wrong."

"These are criminals they should be treated as criminals. They are not Asian criminals, they are not Muslim criminals, they are not white criminals. They are criminals and they should be treated as criminals."

He said that some of the criminals were Asian gangs looking to supplement their income, after the cost of drugs has fallen over the last few years.

Shafiq said "I am the only Muslim leader in the UK that speaks up against this sort of thing and I do it because these teenage girls are somebody's sisters and they are somebody's daughters. I have got two daughters and I wouldn't want that to happen to my daughters.

"If there is a drug dealer grooming a white teenager into prostitution then I don't want the police service or local authority not to be open about it."

Philip Davies, MP for Shipley, also raised concerns about the issue yesterday.

He said: "Everybody is affected by political correctness. The reason why it is so important is because things like this.

"Young girls are having their lives threatened and ruined because people pussyfoot around and they are too scared to do anything in case they make a mistake and are accused of racism.

"That's why we have to tackle the culture of political correctness everybody is affected by and I think the police are probably more affected and hamstrung by it than most organisations."

His comments come as Professor David Barrett of University of Bedfordshire also raised deep concerns about the issue in the BBC1 programme.

He claimed evidence suggested that those operating the practice were "absolutely" likely to get away with it.

The programme will controversially reveal the ethnic pattern of the crime which is largely Asian in northern England, Afro-Caribbean in the West Midlands and elsewhere white, Turkish and Kurdish.

The Government, reacting to concerns, has revealed it will introduce new crime-fighting targets aimed at specifically combating the little-publicised problem.

But there are concerns that the practice, mostly operated by drug dealing gangs, has been of little priority to the various authorities.

Figures suggest there are in the region of 5,000 British children being used as prostitutes.
On the programme Vernon Coaker under secretary of state with responsibility for policing reveals the new measures will be come into force next month.

The government also plans to introduce a new warning video for use in schools over the issue.
But despite funding a Home Office study almost ten years ago which revealed how the problem can be tackled, the police has a low prosecution rate.

Coaker told Panorama that using powers under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 there have been just 44 convictions for grooming and pimping young children.

Police attempts are said to be frustrated by a code of silence.

*Panorama airs on Thursday 27th March on BBC1 at 10.35pm

Murder of Archbishop Rahho in Iraq is crime against humanity

I expresses my total disgust and anger at the brutal murder of Catholic Archbishop of Mosul Paulos Faraj Rahho, this senseless murder goes against humanity and we express our deep sorrow to the Catholic Church and community around the world.

Islam urges us to stand with those that are oppressed around the world, whatever their nationality or faith, the killing of religious leaders that work to promote peace and understanding in Iraq goes against the very basic principles of Islam.

I urge the United Nations to order an independent investigation into the circumstances of Archbishop’s kidnap and subsequent killing and we urge the Iraqi Government to bring the culprits to justice. There should be no hiding place for these evil people anywhere in the world.

I expresses its total disgust, anger and condemnation at the senseless murder of Archbishop Rahho in Mosul, Iraq. The killing of religious leaders in unacceptable and we offer our condolences to Archbishop’s family and the Catholic Church.

I call on the United Nations to begin an independent inquiry into his murder and urge all concerned to cooperate. There should be an international campaign to protect religious leaders from all faiths from intimidation, threat or violence.

I know that all the faith leaders will join me in paying tribute to Archbishop Rahho’s work and calling for the protection of faith leaders.”

Death of Chief Constable Michael Todd

I am deeply saddened by the death of Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Michael Todd. He had a distinguished record of policing throughout his career and he will be missed by colleagues, friends and those that met him on various occasions.

Our thoughts are with Michael’s family and friends during this difficult time, having met him on various occasions I was struck by his commitment to tackling crime and helping improve communities.

Since his arrival in Greater Manchester, the force has been engaged in building links with the Muslim community and his personal support on these issues was valued by me personally and the wider Muslim community.

Once again I offer my support and condolences to Michael’s family and friends.

Israel and war crimes in Gaza

I totally condemns the Israeli aggression and oppression being carried out in Gaza, with over 70 people dead, many children and innocent people there is a quiet silence from the international community which is deeply flawed and worrying.

There can be no justification for the continue oppression and discriminate killing that is carried out and I urge the international community to speak against this evil and ensure that the voices of innocent Palestinians are not silenced.

Israel has engaged in war crimes, what purpose is served by killing women and children? The Israeli’s must recognise that there continued occupation of Palestinian land is the sole reason why there is instability in the region.

I am horrified and saddened by the deaths of many innocent people including women and children in Gaza, it is once again clear that Israel is engaged in committing war crimes and we strongly condemn these actions – we send our deepest condolences and prayers to those that are suffering in Gaza.

I further urges the international community not to remain silent and condemn these crimes and urge the Israelis to stop their occupation and continued oppression of the Palestinian people.

We must all stand up against this evil, whatever our faith or background.”

Republication of Danish Cartoons

I am deeply saddened by the republication of these evil cartoons; I condemn the newspapers concerned unreservedly and urge them to stop escalating this matter.

I urge the Muslim community across the world to remain calm and not allow success to those that want a violent reaction from the community. I urge people to express their concern via their Danish embassy and to the Danish Government.

I support and practice freedom of speech but this ends when others are hurt

I'm attacked by right wing bigots, badge of honour!!!

Recently the right wing bigots who class themselves as columnists in mainstream British Newspaper have started attacking me for taking a different position to theirs on Nazir Ali's comments on no go areas by Muslim extremists in the UK, see below for comments:

Mohammed Shafiq accused the Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, of spreading hatred towards Muslims

Writing in the Daily Express, Forsyth laid into Mr Shafiq, spokesman for the Rochdale-based Ramadhan Foundation, over his comments.

Forsyth called for his resignation for saying that fundamentalism had made some Islamic communities hostile to Christians and those from other faiths.

But Day of the Jackal author Forsyth said the Foundation and fellow Muslim organisation, the Islamic Society of Great Britain, were over-reacting and accused them of distorting the truth.

He wrote in the Express: "The Ramadhan Foundation claimed again that anyone criticising even the most extreme proponents of the poison that beyond any doubt exists inside the Muslim ‘umma’ in our country is criticising all Muslims.

"This is simply not true and one suspects these ‘spokesmen’ secretly know it.

"The Bishop made absolutely plain that he was referring to extremists and to suggest that no such maniacs exist is ludicrous."

He added: "To claim to speak for British Islam, but only to rage at a Christian bishop who preaches against the evil of hatred – and hatred is evil in all beliefs – is not the answer."

But Mr Shafiq has hit back at the criticism, claiming the column was an attempt to demonise his organisation.

He said: "There is clear intent to demonise and attack a Muslim organisation, which works to build understanding between different communities.

"There is clearly an attempt to attack me in particular and damage my reputation. These comments belittle the work we do."

I welcomes the comments and support from the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams for the introduction of Sharia law in the United Kingdom for civil matters. These comments from Archbishop Williams are testament to his attempts to understand Islam and promote tolerance and respect between our great faiths.

The introduction of Sharia Law for civil matters in the UK will allow British Muslims to seek religious ruling for matters that UK courts do not pass judgement on, Sharia law is widely misunderstood and this intervention from Archbishop Williams will reinstate the debate based on facts not right wing headlines.

I do however express concern that Archbishop Williams did not speak publically against the comments made by Mr. Nazir Ali about no go areas, it is now clear that his article was false and in fact there are no go areas for Christians in the UK. Without the strong condemnation from Archbishop Williams when certain figures try to promote intolerance Muslims will take the silence as authority and support for such comments.

I will continue to work with the Church of England to build understanding and respect for our two communities”

Banning of Shaykh Yusuf Al Qardawi

I want to expresses my total condemnation and concern at the banning of Shaykh Yusuf Al Qardawi from visiting the UK for medical treatment. The Government have pandered to the right wing xenophobes who wish to isolate and demonise Islam and Muslims.

Shaykh Al Qardawi is a voice of moderation and is widely respected across the international community, he has spoken out against terrorism and totally condemns 9/11, 7/7 and other terrorist attacks. I am concerned that this will fuel the anger Muslims have towards the Government and Politicians like David Cameron who jumps on bandwagons to demonise Islam and Muslims.

There are many people in the BNP and the far right that project violence and hatred towards minorities yet this Government does not take any action, this banning smacks of double standards, one rule for Muslims and one for non Muslims.

I urge the government to rethink this decision and allow him to come to the UK for medical treatment.

I am clear that the Government is pandering to prejudices when it made this decision.”

Rochdale's Labour candidate panders to the BNP

I am clear that the role of the Mosque has substantially changed over the past decade. With more 2nd generation youngsters wanting to hear and learn Islam in English. We have consistently believed that the Mosques must wake up this challenge, understanding and speaking English is now an essential part of the Imam role. This also means that Young people should make every effort to understand their mother tongue and work hard to build a wider understanding of both cultures and languages.

This sort of politics breeds division and allows those on the far right to take advantage, the central principal is that the running of the Mosques are an internal matter for the Muslim community, how would readers feel if Muslims were dictating to Christians or Jews how to run their pray sessions or Churches and Synagogues.

Politicians of all parties have a duty to ensure that they do not jump on every bandwagon that passes through, the challenges for the Mosques are very clear and I do believe we are seeing change happening on the ground.

The legacy of this Government is one of the Iraq War, long term detention, discriminating anti terror laws and losing of personal data, it is interesting that Mr. Danczuk is not willing to talk about the wider important issues facing our country.

Islamic extremism creating 'no-go' areas for non-Muslims in Britain, says Bishop of Rochester

He warned against the acceptance in this country of Sharia laws based on the Koran and added that amplified calls to prayer from mosques are imposing an Islamic character on surrounding areas.

And he complained of the "multi-faith mish-mash" promoted by the Government and blamed it for undermining the influence of Christianity.

The bishop's attack on aggressive Islamic leaders brought condemnation from prominent Muslim groups. One called for the Church of England to take "serious action" against him.

But Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said the bishop had exposed "a deeply serious problem".

The bishop is one of the most senior clergymen in England, pictured here with the Queen

He added that Government confusion "risks encouraging radicalism and creating home-grown terrorism".

Dr Nazir-Ali, who grew up in Pakistan where he suffered harassment for his own Christian faith, warned of no-go areas in an article in the Sunday Telegraph.
He spoke of "a worldwide resurgence of the ideology of Islamic extremism" and added:

"One of the results of this has been to further alienate the young from the nation in which they were growing up and also to turn already separate communities into 'no-go' areas where adherence to this ideology has become a mark of acceptability."

The bishop added: "Those of a different faith or race may find it difficult to live or work there because of hostility to them. In many ways, this is the other side of the coin of far-Right intimidation."

Dr Nazir-Ali said that using amplification for the call to prayer from mosques was an attempt to impose Islam on an area.

This, he said, raised the question of "whether non-Muslims wish to be told the creed of a particular faith five times a day on the loudspeaker.

"This is happening here even though some Muslim-majority communities are trying to reduce noise levels from multiple mosques announcing this call, one after the other, over quite a small geographical area."

The bishop said that the influence-of Christianity was in decline because "the authorities want multi-faith provision", which meant chapels and chaplains in hospitals, prisons and universities were now under threat.

Secularism and the "multi-faith mish-mash" were pushing out Christianity and Government attempts to encourage integration "lack the underpinning of a moral and spiritual vision".

The charges brought an angry response from the Muslim Council of Britain, the Islamic umbrella group which has come back into favour with the Government since Gordon Brown became Prime Minister.

Assistant Secretary-General Inayat Bunglawala said the Government had contributed to the rise of Islamic extremism and compared the Islamic call to prayer with church bells.

'He talks about the rise of "Islamic extremism" but fails to mention how some of the policies of our government and especially that of the United States in the Middle East over several decades now has clearly contributed to this phenomenon.

"He complains of the Islamic call to prayer but presumably is content for all of us to listen to the ringing of church bells. As Jesus himself advised, perhaps the good bishop may want to examine the beam in his own eye before pointing fingers at others."

Mohammed Shafiq, of the Muslim youth group the Ramadhan Foundation, accused Dr Nazir-Ali of attempting to "whip up hatred" against Muslims. The article would "remind people of the road to Nazism", he said.

A spokesman for the Communities and Local Government Department said: "The overwhelming majority of Muslims are peaceful, make a huge contribution to British life and find the views of a small minority of violent extremists completely abhorrent.

"Britain also has a proud tradition of different communities living together side by side."

• The Bishop's attack on Islamic extremism has cemented his place as one of the Church of England's pre-eminent defenders of traditional Christianity.
Michael Nazir-Ali's outspokenness has put him in the vanguard of opposition to hard- line Islamism and made him one of the highest-placed enemies of the gay rights movement.

Born into a Roman Catholic family, Michael Nazir-Ali converted to Anglicanism aged 20.

The 58-year-old father of two has set himself against feminism by criticising couples who decline to have children and he is among the clerics who

speak most strongly against attempts to remove signs of Christianity from public life.