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Press
Release: Time for Justice Conference
On Monday 13th April Luton Muslims hosted a community conference entitled "Time for Justice" at Bury Park community Centre, Luton. The conference was convened in light of growing tensions toward the Muslim Community locally and nationally. A mixed audience spanning both younger and older generations of the community with a number of local councillors and MPs supported the 2-hour event. The Media had strong representation at the conference with live hourly updates by BBC News 24 and extensive local coverage.
Mr Azmat Begg initiated the proceedings with a vivid, moving description of the plight of his son Moazzam Begg, still held in Guantanamo Bay. In a passionate appeal to the hearts and minds he argued for the fundamental right to trial for all those held in similar conditions in the UK (Belmarsh and Woodhill) and abroad.
Mr Abu Yusuf, a solicitor specialising in human rights proceeded to argue the case against the validity of current anti-terrorism legislation. Unravelling the contradictions within the legal processes that threaten the integrity of the Muslim Community he called upon the Community to voice their concerns collectively in order to prevent the compounding of these draconian measures.
After a short break and refreshments the audience sat back to an enthralling multimedia presentation, courtesy of the organisation "Stop Police Terror", which focused on the Government's unrelenting "witch-hunt" within the Muslim Community, drawing on testimonies from many victims of police maltreatment and flawed judicial processes.
The next presentation, delivered in Urdu and English by Imam Awan, Imam of Luton's Madina Mosque, asserted Islam's fundamental commitment to Justice and its opposition to all forms of oppression, drawing on examples from the Quran (God's divine revelation), the Example of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the testimony of Islamic History.
Mr Qari Isma'il, a HM Inspector of Schools and lecturer at Birmingham Central Mosque, concluded the event with a powerful call aimed at mobilising the community towards engaging in positive work with the wider community and governmental bodies to counteract the negative stereotyping existing today. He drew on his own experience of work in this field and warned of the dangers of inaction. Concluding with a prayer for those still unjustly detained he emphasised the need to maintain a positive outlook.
The conference saw the unveiling of draft proposals for a Muslim Community Liaisons Unit (MCLU), which would liaise with the police, local government, Luton Mosques and other agencies to combat the factors, which lead to hate crimes, unfair arrest and detainment.
A portfolio was made available elaborating how the MCLU will be dedicated to eliminating all forms of discrimination and intolerance against Muslims, countering the negative attitudes and prejudices that lead to harassment of local Muslims. Furthermore, the document emphasised the necessity of adopting a trilateral approach with respect to victimisation of the Muslim community covering Prevention, Support and Protection.
Luton Muslims would like to thank all those who participated in this event and would like to invite all those who wish to involve themselves in the Community Liaisons Unit to contact us on info@lutonmuslims.co.uk or 07960595599.
Luton Muslims (www.lutonmuslims.co.uk) |
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