police chiefs meet islamic leaders to debate ‘stop and search’ security procedures
Moslems voice concern over interviews at Scots airport
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Islamic leaders met police yesterday to discuss the impact “stop and search” procedures have on Moslems using a Scottish airport.
The Scottish-Islamic Foundation said there had been growing concern about the type of interviews Moslem passengers faced as they went in and out of Glasgow Airport.
Last night’s Question Time-style forum at Glasgow Central Mosque aimed to give groups a chance to air their views on the issue. The panel took 30 questions from the 60-strong audience.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill, representatives from Strathclyde Police and the Strathclyde Police Moslem Association were among those on the panel.
It also included Allan Burnett, Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland head of counter-terrorism, a representative from the Scottish Human Rights Commission and Bashir Maan, president of Glasgow Central Mosque. Humza Yousaf, public affairs director of the Scottish-Islamic Foundation, said the event went well. He said: “The message coming out was that some of the questions asked at airport security are simply unacceptable and lots of people are dismayed about being asked personal questions – such as how many times a day do you pray?
“A number of issues were raised, and Allan Burnett said he would be launching a focus group regarding ‘stop and search’ issues.”
Amar Shakoor, chairman of the Scottish Moslem Police Association, said: “Events like Question the Police aim to increase dialogue between the police and Moslem community. The more we encourage this, the even better relationship I can see the force having with Scotland’s largest faith community.”
