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Muslim in death threat to Prophet publisher
Felix Allen and Rob Singh29 Sep 2008
Muslim radicals today warned of further violence after a firebomb attack on the London home of the publisher of a book on the prophet Mohammed.
Fundamentalist Anjem Choudhary said repercussions would be "severe" for those involved with the Jewel Of Medina, a fictional account of the prophet's relationship with his 14-year-old wife Aisha.
Anti-terror police were today questioning three men about the attack on the Islington home of Martin Rynja, owner of the publishing company. Searches were also under way at four addresses in Walthamstow, Ilford and Forest Gate.
The Dutch publisher had been warned that he could be targeted by Islamic extremists. His company Gibson Square, which is run from an office in his house, has defended its decision to publish the novel by American Sherry Jones.
The book, described by Mr Rynja as "a moving love story", includes explicit sex scenes branded "softcore pornography" by one critic.
Mr Rynja, 44, was believed to be under armed guard after the attack on his £2.6 million townhouse in Lonsdale Square at about 2.30am on Saturday. He was not hurt but an accelerant was lit in the doorway. Neighbours described seeing smoke and flames.
American publisher, Random House, withdrew the book from publication last month saying it feared a violent reaction by "a small, radical segment" of Muslims.
There are now fears that the book could become a flashpoint similar to Salman Rushdie's Satanic Verses.
Those fears were fuelled as Mr Choudhary, a former lawyer and follower of preacher of hate Abu Hamza, said: "Clearly this book is an attack on the honour of Mohammed. It is clearly stipulated in Muslim law that any kind of attack on his honour carries the death penalty.
"If the publication goes ahead then I think, inevitably, there will be more attacks like this. If this book is published I think the repercussions will be very severe for everyone associated with it."
Detectives were given extra time to question the three suspects at an emergency court hearing yesterday. The men, aged 22, 30 and 40, were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences.
Two of the men were stopped by armed officers and arrested in Lonsdale Square. The third was swooped on by armed police near Angel Tube station inUpper Street.
EastEnders actress Brooke Kinsella, who lives in the square, was among residents evacuated by police.
Reader views (10)
There is no place for this archaic religion in a civilised soceity, if these people cant abide by western law and freedoms then it is time for them to reside in a place where islamic law is practiced and that is not here.
- Paxton, N17, 30/09/2008 07:35
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Once again Muslims think they run this country!
- Vince London, West London, 30/09/2008 01:46
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Am I the only one who is tired of hearing about the antics of muslim extremists? Is Islam the only minority religion? Why is it always about the muslims?
- John, arezzo, italy, 29/09/2008 19:16
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"I agree with others who have said that it's about time the mainstream Muslim community stood up to those minority groups and individuals who are giving their faith a bad name." Tom, Windsor
Mainstream organistaions have condemned fringe loonies like Mr Choudhury- are you so ill-informed as not to know that. How do you suggest they "stand up" to these groups?
Physically assault them?
It would be far better if the media ignored such people and didnt give them the oxygen of publicity instead of demanding Muslims be held responsible for the actions of others.
- Munir Ali, London, UK, 29/09/2008 17:38
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During a conversation with Nick Ferrari on LBC Anchem Choudary stated that he would love to live under Sharia Law.
And so he can - I am sure there are enough of us to have a whip round for a one-way ticket to Saudi Arabia - after which we would be rid of this scumbag for ever.
- Alan, Essex, 29/09/2008 17:21
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I agree with others who have said that it's about time the mainstream Muslim community stood up to those minority groups and individuals who are giving their faith a bad name.
- Tom, Windsor, 29/09/2008 16:52
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These are clearly people of very low intelligence -- easily led by rabble-rousers like Anjem Choudhury, and it should be remembered that they don't represent the majority of Muslims. I doubt the people involved have the intelligence to even read the book they are so unhappy about (certainly, most of the morons calling for Salman Rushdie's death hadn't read The Satanic Verses).
A few choice, public words of condemnation from Muslim community leaders wouldn't go amiss here, if only to spare the vast majority of law-abiding British Muslims from any backlash.
- Mark, London, 29/09/2008 15:36
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It may carry the death penalty, but is Mr Choudhary authorised to be judge, jury and executioner?
- Adam, London, UK, 29/09/2008 15:21
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Why has Anjem Choudhary not being prosecuted for incitement to violence? He's made these sort of threats on more than one occasion.
- Adam, Harrow, UK, 29/09/2008 14:54
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"Clearly this book is an attack on the honour of Mohammed. It is clearly stipulated in Muslim law that any kind of attack on his honour carries the death penalty."
Why won't these extremists get it into their heads that islamic law (or their twisted interpretation of it)can't be imposed on non muslims. I am fed up of these fanatics trying to rob us of our long held freedoms. Somone may say or write something I don't like, but I will defend their right to do so.
- Simon, London, UK, 29/09/2008 14:17
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