Scottish Muslims plan rally against Islamic State

Rasa - SCOTTISH Muslims are to stage an anti-Islamic State protest rally in Edinburgh condemning the group’s “heinous activities”, with thousands expected to attend.

News ID: 1375

Date: 14 October 2014 - 01:27

RNA - According to Scotish local news outlets, the demonstration will take place on 2 November at The Mound in Edinburgh and is organised by the city’s Muslim community, who say it will be “open to members of all communities” who wish to voice their opposition to the barbaric acts of IS and condemn the murders of David Haines and Alan Henning.

Organised by award- winning restaurateur Matin Khan, speakers confirmed for the day include Labour MPs Sheila Gilmore and David Hamilton, with more to be announced.

Khan is the owner of Itihaas restaurant in Dalkeith and the current Scottish Curry Chef of the Year, and says he was moved to organise the peace rally in an attempt to show that IS “do not in any way represent Islam”. He said: “The IS beheading of David Haines and Alan Henning and the posting of their actions on the internet is barbaric.

“There is a real strength of feeling in the Muslim community against IS. We are calling on the government to do more to block such images and content.

“We are also asking all Muslim parents and guardians to keep a vigilant eye on their young children and make sure they are safe and staying away from the fanatics or other extremist groups who would attempt to brainwash and  radicalise young children.”

Khan said the peace rally will focus only on the single issue of IS, and those attending are asked not to encourage other topics or other religious or political issues.

A list of official placards has been compiled and include: “We hate IS”; “We condemn IS”; “We stand fast with the British government to condemn IS” and “We condemn the murder of David Haines & all other hostages”.

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