Muslims Angered by Arrests

(Manchester, England) After last month's highly-publicized police sweep of suspected Muslim terrorists in which 12 people were arrested but not charged, outraged Islamic leaders have called for public meetings to denounce the "criminalization of Muslims."

Organizers have the support of the British Libyan Solidarity Campaign, The Respect Party, The Mule, Red Pepper and Manchester No Borders who all want to protest the "shameful harassment" of the followers of the religion of peace.

A leaflet publicising the meetings states: "In spite of no evidence of any terror plot being found, 11 of the 12 are still being held in custody, awaiting deportation. Instead of an apology, the police promised more such raids.

"We must unite to stop the deportation of Pakistani students and break the wall of fear that is being built around Muslim communities. [...]

Legal representatives, campaigners and families of some of the men facing deportation are due to speak at the public meetings - tomorrow at the Pakistani Community Centre, Stockport Road, Longsight (2pm) and on Tuesday at the Saffron Restaurant, Cheetham Hill Road, Cheetham Hill (7.30pm). The meetings come as Greater Manchester Police continue their 18-month Counter Terrorism Consultation to let the public offer ideas on how to prevent terrorism.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Thompson said that all enforcement actions are to protect the public while adding (possibly with a little biting sarcasm), "We know Islam is a peaceful religion."

I wonder when Muslim leaders are going to direct their outrage toward the people plotting terrorist acts. It's odd, don't you think, that among all the whining and complaining the Muslims do, never do you hear criticism of the actual perpetrators of terror.