islamic-video.com

6/3/2006 7:00:00 PM GMT
 

The Muslim Safety Forum (MSF) voiced concern over yesterday’s shooting of a man during a raid by UK police, demanding the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) launch an independent investigation into the incident, according to IRNA news agency.

At least 300 policemen, with arms and some of them wearing protective chemical, biological and radiological suits and acting with the advice of biochemical experts, carried out one of the largest raids in the British capital since London bombings shook the transport network in July last year.

"The public view armed anti terror raids with much apprehension and suspicion" after a Brazilian was killed last year at Stockwell station in south London and accusations of a subsequent police-cover-up, Azad Ali, Chair of the MSF, noted.

MSF, moreover, stated that the person was seriously wounded and that it is requesting "full and prompt disclosure of information of the operation to ally community fears."

A 23-year-old man was shot during a raid in Forest Gate, east London, according to Metropolitan Police, who refused to give further details other than the that the man was taken to hospital and later arrested.

Another 20-year-old man was arrested at a central London police station in the raid.

MSF held talks with the Deputy Commissioner Paul Stephenson, and expressed its deep concerns, saying it was informed the raid was “a pre-planned intelligence led operation with other law enforcement agencies and that the incident was referred to the IPCC“, according to IRNA.

"We hope that the lessons of Stockwell will have been learned and that the police will work more robustly in disseminating factual information and ally any opportunities for right wing elements of Islamophobic rumour mongering," Ali added.

"We have asked specifically that the IPCC take lead and remain in full control of this incident and establish quickly why a firearm was discharged," he said.

Peter Clarke, head of the anti-terrorist branch of London's Metropolitan police, claimed that the raid was conducted in response to information about a threat from firearms or "hazardous substances."

But a police spokeswoman said that nothing yet can confirm whether the men were suspected of planning to build a chemical weapon.

Also the police said officers inspecting the site have not found any weapon or device.