Monday, May 9, 2011

"Beard Makes You Seen As Terrorists"

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An airport security officer was searching the luggage of a passenger. The description seems quite prevalent perceived Muslim passengers in the Western Hemisphere. (News CAIRO)

An airport security officer was searching the luggage of a passenger. The description seems quite prevalent perceived Muslim passengers in the Western Hemisphere. (News CAIRO)
Cardiff (News CAIRO) - A group of Muslim men claimed they were treated like terrorists by airport police last night vowed to encourage independent investigation.

Seven-strong group have said they plan to approach the Independent Police Complaints Commission into the incident at Cardiff International Airport.

Para-man who came from Pakistan but the family was born and raised in Cardiff, said they were questioned and their passport details and checked by the police.

The two groups also said that they were selected for interrogation for hours, during which they claimed that they were asked whether they had extremist views and if they've been asked to conduct terrorist attacks.

Garage owner Sajid Hussain, 30, from Cyncoed, Cardiff, said: "It is clear discrimination. We are the only Asian person at the airport. We understand they have a job to do and should attract some people, but in fact only seven of us who interrogated . And some of the questions they asked were ridiculous. It's like they say to me, 'Do you have a beard, so you look like a terrorist'. I feel bad, just because of my appearance, I considered to be half way to being a terrorist. "

A police spokesman said: "South Wales Police take a very serious responsibility in terms of respecting diversity in all individuals. We are very aware of the sensitivities and considerations required in balancing the need to protect the public while still appreciate all the rights and needs of individuals."

The seven men, all of them are childhood friends, went to Cardiff International Airport on October 24, to catch a flight to Glasgow for friend's wedding. The first group arriving, Atif Shabir, Ali Chishti, Sajid Hussain and Naweed Akram, currently in the process of check-in when they were approached by armed police, a police officer in plain clothes officers airport security.

Shabir, 27, a self-employed property developer from Cyncoed, Cardiff, said: "They called us aside and check our passports. They also noted our name, address and date of birth and asked where we were going. I asked them why. They say there's nothing to worry about and it and all the normal routine, but it does not, because we are the only one. "

He said they were taken to an unseen corner of the other passengers. But after they gave the details and because they thought police and security officers have finished with them, Hussain also joined the check-in queues.

Hussain said police later pulled out of the queue in front of other passengers. Officers then waited for the rest of their group, Nadeem Ashraf, Wasim Arshad and another man, who did not want to be named, to come.

Ashraf, 29, an accountant from Riverside, Cardiff, said: "I asked the police why we pulled him aside and basically he said he had the airport police and he could do what he wants."

Hussain and Akram, 29, also from Cyncoed, taken to different rooms upstairs where they claimed they were asked to empty their pockets and to hand over mobile phones and bank cards.

They said they agree the police can make a note of the last 10 numbers they call because they do not hide anything.

Hussain claimed the questions posed, among others, is whether he believes in radical Islam, whether she was hanging out with or know them a radical, inciting hatred in mosques and whether he was a practicing Muslim.

Akram said: "They asked whether, in the mosque, they talk about the League of Defence and Defence League of Wales. I say that in the mosque, they just teach us about religion. Then the police told me there are demonstrations that day."

Defense League of Wales had planned rally in Newport on 24th October, but failed.

This group is only allowed to proceed to the gate shortly before the flight will depart. In the days after they said they were interrogated, both Hussain and Akram claimed they had difficulty using their bank cards because they have been marked by security.

Hussain said: "We have gone to Afghanistan to promote our way of life, that is a very tolerant society is very accepting. While here, the images are different and getting worse. It's a very sad situation.

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