Press release: IHRC condemns South Tooting mosque disturbances

Press release: IHRC condemns South Tooting mosque disturbances
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The Islamic Human Rights Commission condemns the violence which marred Ashura commemorations on the night of Thursday 14 November at the Idara-e-Jaaferiya in south London, forcing its closure for the foreseeable future.

The disturbances broke out when a group of thugs invaded the premises to challenge the Idara’s policy against self-flagellation and locked the management committee inside the premises for eight hours.

During this period the perpetrators subjected some of the committee members to physical violence and tried to strongarm them into relinquishing their executive posts and installing a new interim committee consisting of some of their own number.

One committee member had to be taken to hospital for treatment after collapsing during the ordeal. Idara property was also damaged.

IHRC believes that the group’s attempt to impose its will on the Idara through threats and violence – particularly on such a holy day in the Islamic calendar – is totally unacceptable.

IHRC also condemns the failure of police to respond to the disturbances in good time. Despite repeated calls about the disturbances from 8pm onwards, the police only arrived at the scene at 4am on Friday morning.

IHRC chair Massoud Shadjareh said: “Having been there for four hours of the ordeal and having myself phoned the police as well as seeing others phoning to report a crime, I was appalled at the lack of response. It just defies belief that the police would ignore report of a crime in progress. Even after the belated police response the lack of cooperation between the Idara and the police made a mockery of community relations – it was apparent that the police didn’t even know who the management committee were.”

Notes to Editors

For media enquiries please email media@ihrc.org or call 020 8904 4222[Ends]

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IHRC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

Islamic Human Rights Commission
PO Box 598
Wembley
HA9 7XH
United Kingdom

Telephone (+44) 20 8904 4222
Email: info@ihrc.org
Web: www.ihrc.org
Twitter @ihrc


IHRC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

Islamic Human Rights Commission
PO Box 598
Wembley
HA9 7XH
United Kingdom

Telephone: (+44) 20 8904 4222
Email: info@ihrc.org
Web: www.ihrc.org
Twitter: @ihrc

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