A prominent Moslem has been shocked and saddened by the revelation that a youngster living in Inverness was on the brink of being indoctrinated by terrorists.
It was revealed this week that the unidentified 18-year-old, was led stray while studying English in London, but returned to his family in Inverness earlier this year after the intervention of police and local Moslem leaders – averting a need for criminal proceedings.
It emerged yesterday that the youngster’s family, who had settled in Inverness, raised the alarm after spotting the signs.
Former chemical engineer Habib Malik is a close friend of the father of 26-year-old pro-Jihadist Abdul Rakib Amin from Aberdeen who, a year ago, was seen on a chilling video promoting the Islamic militant group Isis.
He said: “This is deeply worrying. Previously we had Rakib, which was a huge shock. I don’t know the circumstances of the Inverness case, but any element of radicalisation of someone in Inverness is just shocking.
“In a global village, with the internet, it is so easy now for individuals living in remote areas to connect with other parts of the world and get hooked up with the wrong club. It’s disturbing.”
He added: “Parents try to keep an eye on their children, especially with the internet and so many communication channels available nowadays. It is difficult to monitor.”
Mr Malik now promotes Scotland’s diversity of culture under the banner of a fledgling private enterprise, Edinburgh-based Napiershall Formula, attempting to unite communities through “engagement and respect”.
Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP Drew Hendry said: “This is a highly concerning case. The wellbeing of all of our young people is paramount and they must not be allowed to fall prey to terrorist organisations.
“It is, however, encouraging to know that the police and community leaders from the mosque have worked together effectively to prevent this young man being taken.”
Highland Council opposition leader Maxine Smith, whose question during a counter terrorism presentation by police on Tuesday prompted the revelation about the Inverness case, said: “I expected to be told there was no such instance in Highland, so I was surprised. I wasn’t alarmed because I feel the police are on top of it. And, being in the Highlands, people would soon be aware of this and report it.”
Isis is the group of Islamic radicals who last year plunged Iraq into fresh chaos, making sweeping advances across the country.