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Death threats on YouTube for mosque opponent
Jack Lefley, Evening Standard06.11.07
A leading opponent of plans to build Europe's largest mosque in east London has seen a chilling "obituary" for him posted on the internet.
The film on video-sharing website YouTube is entitled In memory of Councillor Alan Craig and contains pictures of him with his wife and two young daughters.
It was apparently posted in retaliation for his opposition to the mosque.
Mr Craig has now contacted police in fear of his family's safety and demanded that the video be taken down.
Islamic group Tablighi Jamaat wants to open the 12,000-capacity "megamosque" in Newham near the main 2012 Olympic site.
The FBI has described the group as "a recruiting ground" for al Qaeda, which it denies.
Shoebomber Richard Reid and 7/7 bombers Mohammad Sidique Khan and Shehzad Tanweer were members.
Mr Craig, 61, a member of the Christian Peoples Alliance on Newham council, has led a local campaign against the mosque which is planned for the site at Abbey Mills next to West Ham Tube station.
The businessman today said he would be seeking advice about whether his 40-year-old wife, Sally, and daughters were safe.
He said: "Targeting me is one thing. But to use my wife and children is outrageous. This video obituary is either a threat or a very sick joke.
"Some people will look at this as an open invitation to take me out because I am opposing the mosque. That is not the way to operate in a democracy."
The video opens with its title and the words "To God we will all return" before showing a series of photos of the councillor, his family and political allies set to Elvis Presley singing You Were Always On My Mind.
The two-minute video ends with the message "The mosque will be built in time for the 2012 Olympic Games."
The video was posted by abdullah1425 whose page on YouTube claims he is 23-year-old Muhammad from Stevenage. It has links to material relating to Tablighi Jamaat.
In one comment to another user posted on the site he said: "Jihad starts from the moment your mother gave birth to you."
There is a link directly to the page from the mosque's official website but a spokesman promised to take it down if anything "inappropriate" was found.
He added: "We are not responsible for the content of external websites. But we condemn totally anyone who incites violence."
Plans for the 18-acre-complex, which is expected to include a school for 500 boys, have yet to be submitted to Newham council for approval.
Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales said he did not agree with Mr Craig's views but that he was entitled to express them.
He added: "If this has been reported to the police then it is right that they should investigate it."
Reader views (13)
Why are we allowing extremists in Islam to get away with these kind of acts. If we as a British Citizens do not act in unison against these threats, then we would be seen as really giving in to their demands.
- Ajay Shah, Bradford
One feels sick when you read such hatred. David Craig is a man of honesty and integrity. He is doing the job he was elected to do. I pray for God's protection on him and his family.
- Patricia Bailhache, Jersey.
If the video that threatens Alan and his family it is an indication of what may follow the building of a mega mosque I can agree with his concern and objection.
- Eric, UK
This kind of behaviour and response from extremists in Islam is intolerable.
- Nilesh Patel, Harrow London
If Islam is a religion of peace, what would you call this shocking video? Alan Craig is a man of peace and stands for truth and freedom of speech. Many Muslims agree with the challenges Alan has made about the planned Mega-mosque. Let Muslim leaders speak out clearly and boldly against these terrible threats. Living in a democracy, we must continue to stand for truth as he is.
- Olave Snelling, London, UK
Why is our government still so casual about death threats from extremists. Why is this militant group allowed a voice and opportunity to continue recruitment within this nation? This is not democracy it is lunacy. Why don't muslims come out against this violation of their religion.
- Kathleen, Hastings, England
The youtube posting is a very poor advertisement for Islam.
- Ian Elliott, reigate, england
It was very disturbing watching this video and I suspect that this is just the tip of the iceburg. As a democratic and so called free speaking country why should this behaviour be tolerated both from within the Islamic community and outside.
The silence and lack of response condeming this behaviour sends a message that anyone can say and do what they want unless its a Christian viewpoint and then it is classed as unacceptable.
Could someone remind me...is Britain a Christian country or have we now turned Islamic?
- Pastor Howard Roberts, Flintshire, UK
This development is absolutely outrageous and shows clearly why the Mosque should not be built. All 'moderate' muslims should unite with civilised people and condemn this behaviour.
- Magnus Nielsen, London, England
Why isn't this man under arrest? He appears in front of the camera in another of his videos and could be easily identified. Also this video must have been flagged as illegal by dozens of people, yet Youtube have still not pulled it and cancelled the man's account. Surely the law enforcement agencies should put pressure on them to behave within the law.
- Wally, Cwmbran, Wales
For this reason alone the mosque should not be allowed, threatening to kill for opposing the mosque is very wrong.
- Susan, Colchester
It's becoming incredibly difficult to express one's view and opinions. Are we truly leaving in a so called democratic society. If yes then why is the British way of life being threatened in their own country (i.e. the lives of Mr Craig and family).
- Jagdish, Kingsbury
It has become scary being just British in the UK!
- Billy, London
