ஒரு லண்டன் இமாம் தாக்கப்பட்டார்

ரேஜண்ட் பார்க் என்னுமிடத்தில் இருக்கும் ஒரு மசூதியின் தலைவராக இருக்கும் ஒரு இமாம் தாக்கப்பட்டுள்ளார்.

இந்த தாக்குதலை வன்மையாக கண்டிக்கிறேன். இந்த இஸ்லாமிய சகோதரர் நலம் பெற விரும்புவோம்.

Imam attacked in mosque
By MARK KELLY
August 12, 2007

A MUSLIM cleric is in a serious condition in hospital today after being attacked in a London mosque.

The 58-year-old, who's not been named, suffered heavy blood loss, damage to both eyes and had to undergo emergency surgery.

The imam was assaulted at Regent’s Park mosque on Friday.

The Muslim Council of Britain claim there have been a number of Islamophobic crimes in Britain recently.

They believe they've been fuelled by the media.

An MCB spokesman said:

“There is clearly a growing anti-Muslim climate in this country and it has some very worrying implications for all of us.

“It is deeply regrettable that sections of our media have been playing a key role in fermenting much of this Islamophobic prejudice and hatred against British Muslims.”

The Metropolitan Police said officers were called at about 8.30am on Friday to reports of an assault at Regent’s Park mosque, known as the Islamic Cultural Centre.

The victim was taken to a central London hospital by the London Ambulance Service where he remains.

Responsibility for race and community relations is down to Ruth Kelly’s Department for Communities and Local Government.

One of her team said:

“Any crime motivated by a prejudice against a person’s race or religion is deplorable and we are committed to doing all we can to support the police in this matter.”

A man has been charged with grievous bodily harm and assaulting a police officer.

He has been remanded in custody until August 24 when he will appear at Southwark Magistrates’ Court.

A Met spokesman said police were keeping an open mind about the motive of the attack.