REDDITCH’S Muslim community has condemned the attacks in Paris in the strongest possible terms.
“I found the events in Paris shocking, unbelievable, it hit me full on – how on earth could this have happened and on such a scale?” said Mobeen Hussein, a trustee of Redditch’s Jinnah Road Mosque.
However he said that societies in Redditch, Britain and across Europe would stand united in the face of such terrorism.
“They are trying to divide us with these atrocities, but our communities are stronger than that, we live peacefully together, we live in an educated society, our police forces are strong, we stand united.
“We strongly condemn the terrorist attacks in Paris and our thoughts and prayers are with the victms and their families,” said Mr Hussein.
“His comments were echoed by Mohammed Farooqi, chairman of the Junnah Road Mosque, who said: “These attacks have nothing to do with religion.
“Muslim people are against violence – Islam does not teach anyone to kill.
“I have lived in Redditch for some 45 years and we continue to live in harmony here.”
Borough Mayor Councillor Pattie Hill said: “On behalf of the town we have sent letters of support to our twin towns of Gruchet-le-Valasse and Auxerre, letting them know that following the events in Paris they are in our hearts.
“We have here in Redditch a wonderful community, a brilliant, multi-cultural community which we continue to treasure.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Auxerre, Gruchet-le-Valasse, and Paris.”
