Page added on January 27, 2012
Federation of Muslim Organisation – Consultation Meeting on EDL Demonstration
On Tuesday 24th January 2012, the FMO held a meeting at Highfields Community Centre in Leicester to discuss the English Defence League’s plans for a protest in the city on 4th February.
The meeting was for the FMO’s affiliates and members of the Muslim community. The meeting was hosted by the Chair of the FMO, Maulana Dr Ashraf Makadam and included contributions from a prominent local Imam, Sheikh Riyadh Ul Haq, Leicester’s Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby and Chief Superintendent, Rob Nixon of Leicestershire Constabulary.
There were a range of views from the floor about how to respond to the EDL’s plans. By using evidence from the Qur’an, Sheikh Riyadh spoke about how during the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) time, he and his community were also faced with provocation but responded by remaining calm and letting the appropriate authorities carry out their roles. Sheikh Riyadh asked Leicester’s Muslim community to do so likewise by acting peacefully in the face of the threat.
Federation PR Officer Suleman Nagdi said “We welcomed the opportunity to have an open discussion on a serious issue that affects all of us. The FMO will continue to play its part in the maintenance of peace and public order in the city so that there is minimal disruption to local residents. We do not support any counter-demonstrations that may potentially lead to violent clashes with the EDL. We also strongly urge our local community to challenge rumors that may circulate at the time of the EDL’s demonstration and instead seek to gain accurate reports from more reliable sources such as the police. We pray that our city remains peaceful and united during the EDL’s protest which yet again aims to harm the good name and reputation of our city. We are humbled by the enormous support we have received from Leicestershire’s various communities including the Diocese of Leicester who along with Leicester Cathedral will be hosting an open Peace Vigil on Friday 3rd February 2012”.
