Outrage and disbelief has swept the Muslim community after a religious leader was arrested in 'dawn' police raids in Bolton last Monday. Police claim that they are 'looking for evidence of links to training camps in Afghanistan'. Four others have also been detained.

The suggestion that the well known, and highly respected Shaykh Asif Hussain Farooqui is involved in 'inciting acts of terrorism overseas' is ludicrous and absurd. 'These charges are completely untrue and unfounded, and are directly against the teachings and example of the Shaykh over the past thirty five years.' is the belief of thousands of people, including over a hundred Shaykhs who have already signed petitions demanding the release of an innocent man.

He has now been released, but four others face charges. Further reports to follow.

'The war in Afghanistan has been brought home by our government. Earlier this year we saw ten students from Pakistan arrested, never charged but deported anyway. The greater the difficulties the government faces justifying their wars abroad, the more we see high profile arrests at home. They are desperate to prove a link. But it is the anti terror legislation itself which is bringing terror to Muslim people living in our communities in Britain. We need to end the Afghan war to save lives of Afghans and our British soldiers, but also so the war on Muslims at home is also ended.' - Mark Krantz, Convener Stop the War in Manchester.

Chair of the STWC said, 'Unlike previous arrests which saw armed Police officers running down our streets, the arrest of this individual has been fairly low key.  But this does not remove the sense of shock the arrests have no doubt caused.  Many people are saying, “If they can arrest Shaykh Asif Hussain Farooqui, they can arrest anyone”.  Yet again the Police have got it wrong.  We urge the Government to end the law on terror and end the demonization of Muslims in this country.'

Support the campaign and details here: www.freedombolton.co.uk
MEN reports here: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1182584_religious_leader_arrested_in_terror_raid

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