Councillor Alan Craig of the Christian People’s Alliance (CPA) has been a long standing opponent of the Abbey Mills Mosque in Newham.
I have been locking horns with Mr Craig for a year or so and we have had some fairly colourful debates regarding his stance and opinions on the building of the Abbey Mills Mosque. Despite my disagreements, I have the utmost respect for Councillor Craig, a shrewd politician and a successful businessman.
This is why I was disgusted to hear that he had been subjected to a youtube video threat by a lunatic who calls himself Abdulla, who unforgivably targeted Councillor Craig, his wife and 2 daughters. Upon becoming aware of the issue, Abbey Mills Mosque distanced themselves from the controversial individual and his actions.
YouTube removed the video after the team at Abbeymills Mosque contacted YouTube. A press release from the Abbey Mills project read; “the video itself, by “abdullah1425”, was totally inappropriate and could never be condoned. We totally condemn anyone who incites, or appears to incite, violence. We immediately removed the link to the YouTube profile of this individual and we believe Cllr Craig was right to report this incident to the police. The Trustees would wish no harm on any individual, let alone Cllr Alan Craig. While we do not share his views on our proposed mosque, and we are disappointed by his campaign against it, we certainly in no way condone any threat to him or his family.
“Like Cllr Craig, we all benefit from the right of free speech. We were surprised the video remained up on the web for so long, despite the national coverage. When we contacted YouTube, they took it down immediately. As far as our website is concerned, we immediately removed the link to the YouTube profile of this individual. We totally condemn anyone who incites violence.”
Councillor Craig has since been quoted in Christian Today; "I am grateful for Tablighi Jamaat's prompt action. I am sure they will be careful who they link their website to in the future. I oppose their mega-mosque but they should be praised for rectifying their huge mistake so quickly."
The stance of this young man just goes to show how the recklessness of one imbecile can hurt the whole team, with a million column inches and comment sections being once again filled with venom directed towards a quarter of the population of good Mother earth.
By all means, debate the issue, be a critical friend or foe, but as soon as such serious actions are perpetrated all good deeds are forgotten and the case is lost.
Abdulla’s story is a classic example of this. No sooner had Councillor Craig complained to the Police and the offensive video removed then we find the BNP hailing Councillor Craig as their champion. The offensive and sick video (now removed) was titled “In memory of Councillor Alan Craig” and had pictures of Councillor Craig and his family within it. Not letting the truth get in the way of a good story the BNP used the rantings of this deranged idiot to tarnish the UK Muslim populace by proclaiming – “It was (the video) apparently posted by Islamic militants in retaliation for his opposition to the mosque which fundamentalist group Tablighi Jamaat want to open near the main 2012 Olympic site.”
What now for 23 year old Abdulla? He should be made to seen the error of his ways. It may be good for Muslims in his community to speak some sense into him but for sure many will be wary of engaging with him now, in case they too are seen to be in the same light.
Councillor Craig is after all a democratically elected politician, supported by many Muslims and is entitled to his opinion. My only concern here is how he is increasingly emerging as the champion and shining knight for the racist elements amongst us.
I am in the process of meeting with Councillor Craig to interview him. He’s invited me for tea – and despite the kind gesture and whether I meet him on home turf or a neutral venue, I intend to fully grill him on matters pertaining to the Markaz. I will publish the details of our discussion in due course. In response to the offensive video (now removed) a further video appeared. I’ll admit anyday that I’m terrified of the BNP and supporters. The video talks of revenge on Muslims, using “bullets dipped in pigs blood” – it practically scared the living daylights out of me and will do the same for you too. “You will feel the scorching heat of rage in every town that you’re vermin people have occupied” say’s the electronically distorted voice of the narrator.
He continues; “So, you rag head savages, your clerics will look even better with no beards, even better when they have Swastikas and Union jacks shaved into the backs of their f@*&^$g heads. Your Burqa will look much better, when they are on fire, on peoples faces and your women are rolling around in pigshit trying to put out the flames of white rage.”
And don’t tell me it can’t happen here. Paranoid? Bosnia anyone?
*The Author would like to make clear that he is not a spokesman or mouthpiece for the Abbey Mills Mosque or the Tablight Jamaat.