Wales: Muslim men plan to sue airport

Wales: Muslim men plan to sue airport

via Islam in Europe by Esther on 04/11/09
Wales: Muslim men plan to sue airport


A PARTY of Muslim men who claim they were singled out and treated like terrorists by airport police vowed last night to push for an independent investigation.

The seven-strong group say they plan to approach the Independent Police Complaints Commission over the incident at Cardiff Airport.

The men, who are from Pakistani families but were born and brought up in Cardiff, said they were questioned and had their details and passports checked by police officers.

Two of the group also said they were singled out for hour-long interrogations, during which they claimed they were asked if they had extremist views and if they had ever been asked to carry out a terrorist attack.

Garage owner Sajid Hussain, 30, from Cyncoed, Cardiff, said: "It was clear discrimination. We were the only Asians in the airport. We understand they have a job to do and have to pull some people over, but it's just the fact that it was all seven of us. And some of the questions they asked were ridiculous. It was like they were saying to me, 'You have got a beard, so you look like a terrorist'. I felt quite bad that, just because of my appearance, I am considered half way to becoming a terrorist."

A police spokeswoman said: "South Wales Police takes its responsibilities very seriously in terms of respecting diversity in all individuals. We are very much aware of the sensitivities and considerations required in balancing the need to protect the public while respecting all individuals' rights and needs."

  Mr Hussain claimed the questions he was asked included whether he believed in radical Islam, did he associate with or know any radicals, is hatred incited in his mosque and was he a practising Muslim.

Mr Akram said: "They asked me if, at the mosque, they were talking about the English Defence League and Welsh Defence League. I said that at the mosque, they just teach us about religion. Then the policeman told me there was a rally happening that day."

The Welsh Defence League had planned a march in Newport on October 24, but the protest fizzled out.


The group was only allowed to proceed to the gate shortly before the flight was due to leave. In the days after they said they were interrogated, both Mr Hussain and Mr Akram claimed they had trouble using their bank cards because they had been security flagged.

Mr Hussain said: "We (the UK) have gone to Afghanistan to promote our way of life – that is a very tolerant society that is very accepting. While here, the picture is different and is getting worse. It's a very sad situation."

(more)

Source: WalesOnline h/t IslamOnline

 
 

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