MOSQUE LEADER DEFENDS COPS IN ALUM ROCK ROW

04-06-2008

The Chair of Birmingham’s Central Mosque has defended the police for defusing a row between Christian preachers and local Muslims in Alum Rock – but insists he has no problem with people trying to convert others to their religion.

Dr Mohammed Naseem was making his first public comments since the row broke at the weekend.

"My information is that people were being told that their religious beliefs were wrong, and that youngsters were arguing about this.

"It's being said that the preachers' zeal got the better of us at the time the police intervened. 

"I think they acted correctly because it was getting heated and might have got out of control.

"They have a duty to keep the peace and from that perspective acted properly."

But he added that Christian evangelists had nothing to fear from entering predominantly Muslim areas, and noted that Jehovah’s Witnesses have been operating for many years in areas like Handsworth and Lozells.

"I'm all in favour of people expressing their opinion and inviting others to follow their way of life - but they shouldn't insult them and tell them they are going to hell."

See also "Amis Rival Heads up Anti-Islamophobia Rally"

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