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London attack: Sadiq Khan urges police to explain why they didn't act on attackers – live London attack: Sadiq Khan urges police to explain why they didn't act on attackers – live
(35 minutes later)
10.45am BST
10:45
Henry McDonald
A mosque in the west of Ireland was attacked last night with rocks throw through windows while members of Ahmadi Islamic sect were worshipping inside.
Imam Ibrahim Ahmad Noonan of the Masjid Maryam mosque in Galway said those praying inside at the time were “terrified.”
He said the attack place around 11.20pm last night during evening prayers.
Noonan said he believed the mosque had been targeted as “a direct result” of the weekend London attacks.
Truly sad while men , women , children were praying when I was leading prayer , we were attacked pic.twitter.com/YdsQsOiT7G
One of the first organisations to condemn the attack on the Galway mosque was Atheist Ireland which has a long standing relationship with the Ahmadi community in Ireland.
Michael Nugent, chairman Atheist Ireland, said the attack was particularly “senseless” because the Ahmadi Muslim community is at the forefront of promoting peace and tolerance among all religions and none in Ireland.
10.40am BST
10:40
Vikram Dodd
More details have emerged about London attacker Khuram Butt’s work on the London Underground despite being a known extremist who had appeared on national television.
He worked as a trainee customer services assistant for just under six months last year.
One colleague claimed that as part of the training programme he was headquartered at London Bridge station and also worked at Westminster and Canada Water stations.
Transport for London, which runs the tube network, declined to comment on where Butt worked because of the ongoing police investigation.
Medical issues with a leg injury Butt suffered as a child led to poor attendance and his employment ended, the source said.
A TfL spokesperson said: “Khuram Butt worked for London Underground for just under six months as a trainee customer services assistant, leaving in October last year.”
Updated
at 10.45am BST
10.31am BST
10:31
The three attackers could have performed a dry run over London bridge nine minutes before the atrocity, according to the Times.
The white Renault van hired by the killers was first captured on CCTV driving on to the bridge from the north side at 9.58pm on Saturday — some nine minutes before the attack began.
According to sources quoted in the Times, the men likely made the trip to scope out police presence, traffic, and the potential for mass casualties.
10.16am BST
10:16
Rowena Mason
Boris Johnson, the foreign secretary, acknowledged that MI5 and the police will have to answer questions about why a known Islamist extremist managed to carry out the attack without being stopped.
His comments go much further than Theresa May, who has said she would not comment while the investigations are ongoing.
Johnson told Sky News: “People are going to look at the front pages today and they’re going to say ‘how on earth could we have let this guy or possibly more through the net?’
“What happened, how could he possibly be on a Channel 4 programme and be committing atrocities like this? That is a question that will need to be answered by MI5, by the police, as the investigation goes on.”
Updated
at 10.24am BST
10.11am BST10.11am BST
10:1110:11
Sune Engel RasmussenSune Engel Rasmussen
Khuram Butt’s family left their native Jhelum district, in northern Punjab, for London in 1998.Khuram Butt’s family left their native Jhelum district, in northern Punjab, for London in 1998.
The Guardian understands that the father ran a furniture store in the town of Mujahidabad, where Butt’s uncles family still lives.The Guardian understands that the father ran a furniture store in the town of Mujahidabad, where Butt’s uncles family still lives.
A renowned businessman, the uncle works in the hotel industry and estate building. On Tuesday, after international media descended on the town, Butt’s family declined to speak to the press.A renowned businessman, the uncle works in the hotel industry and estate building. On Tuesday, after international media descended on the town, Butt’s family declined to speak to the press.
The security services in Pakistan have searched a restaurant of one of Khuram Butt’s relatives in the city of Jhelum, 60 miles south east of Islamabad, according to the Telegraph.The security services in Pakistan have searched a restaurant of one of Khuram Butt’s relatives in the city of Jhelum, 60 miles south east of Islamabad, according to the Telegraph.
10.08am BST10.08am BST
10:0810:08
Harriet SherwoodHarriet Sherwood
An event to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Israel’s victory in the six-day war has been postponed amid security concerns following recent terror attacks.An event to mark the fiftieth anniversary of Israel’s victory in the six-day war has been postponed amid security concerns following recent terror attacks.
Almost 1,000 tickets had been sold for A Night To Honour Israel, which was due to take place in central London on 22 June. The organisers, Christians United For Israel UK, said they had expected hundreds more to be taken.Almost 1,000 tickets had been sold for A Night To Honour Israel, which was due to take place in central London on 22 June. The organisers, Christians United For Israel UK, said they had expected hundreds more to be taken.
Although no specific security threat had been received, “we have been advised that our event could be a target”, CUFI said in a statement posted on its website.Although no specific security threat had been received, “we have been advised that our event could be a target”, CUFI said in a statement posted on its website.
It said: “Following recent attacks in central London and Manchester, a number of foiled attacks in recent weeks and the on-going terror threat, we had already increased planned security to a much higher level than usual. It said: “Following recent attacks in central London and Manchester, a number of foiled attacks in recent weeks and the ongoing terror threat, we had already increased planned security to a much higher level than usual.
“However, having assessed the current situation and received independent advice we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the event. Islamic extremists have called for the specific targeting of Christians and Jews during the month of Ramadan, during which our event was set to take place. Although no specific threat has been received, we have been advised that our event could be a target.”“However, having assessed the current situation and received independent advice we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the event. Islamic extremists have called for the specific targeting of Christians and Jews during the month of Ramadan, during which our event was set to take place. Although no specific threat has been received, we have been advised that our event could be a target.”
The event would be “the largest pro-Israel event of the year with both Christians and Jews meeting at a location just a short distance from the two recent London attacks”.The event would be “the largest pro-Israel event of the year with both Christians and Jews meeting at a location just a short distance from the two recent London attacks”.
The six-day war, fought between Israel and three neighbouring Arab countries, ended in a decisive victory for Israel and marked the beginning of its occupation of Palestinian territories.The six-day war, fought between Israel and three neighbouring Arab countries, ended in a decisive victory for Israel and marked the beginning of its occupation of Palestinian territories.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.11am BST at 10.12am BST
10.06am BST10.06am BST
10:0610:06
Here’s the latest on the ongoing police operation ... Here are Robert Booth and Vikram Dodd with the latest on the ongoing police operation:
Police investigating the London Bridge terror attack have raided an address in Illford, Essex, as pressure mounted on the security services over missed opportunities to stop at least one of the attackers who was investigated for extremism by police two years ago.Police investigating the London Bridge terror attack have raided an address in Illford, Essex, as pressure mounted on the security services over missed opportunities to stop at least one of the attackers who was investigated for extremism by police two years ago.
Officers from the Metropolitan police’s counter-terrorism command began searches after entering an address in Ilford at 1.30am on Tuesday. The police said searches were continuing and nobody had been detained.Officers from the Metropolitan police’s counter-terrorism command began searches after entering an address in Ilford at 1.30am on Tuesday. The police said searches were continuing and nobody had been detained.
On Monday night, the remaining 10 people who had been arrested during the day by armed police were released from police custody without charge. A man and a woman had already been released. No one remains in custody.On Monday night, the remaining 10 people who had been arrested during the day by armed police were released from police custody without charge. A man and a woman had already been released. No one remains in custody.
Khuram Shazad Butt, 27, was investigated by officers in 2015 but they found no evidence he was planning an attack and he was “prioritised in the lower echelons of our investigative work”, according to assistant commissioner Mark Rowley, Britain’s top counter-terrorism officer.Khuram Shazad Butt, 27, was investigated by officers in 2015 but they found no evidence he was planning an attack and he was “prioritised in the lower echelons of our investigative work”, according to assistant commissioner Mark Rowley, Britain’s top counter-terrorism officer.
Pakistani-born British citizen Butt and Rachid Redouane, who claimed to be Moroccan or Libyan, were two of the three men who carried out the murderous rampage at London Bridge and Borough Market in which seven people died and dozens more were injured on Saturday night.Pakistani-born British citizen Butt and Rachid Redouane, who claimed to be Moroccan or Libyan, were two of the three men who carried out the murderous rampage at London Bridge and Borough Market in which seven people died and dozens more were injured on Saturday night.
Transport for London has confirmed that Butt worked as a trainee customer services assistant for six months last year. Butt was also an associate of radical hate preacher Anjem Choudary and his banned group al-Muhajiroun and had appeared in a Channel 4 documentary called The Jihadis Next Door unfurling what appeared to be an Islamic State flag in Regent’s Park in central London.Transport for London has confirmed that Butt worked as a trainee customer services assistant for six months last year. Butt was also an associate of radical hate preacher Anjem Choudary and his banned group al-Muhajiroun and had appeared in a Channel 4 documentary called The Jihadis Next Door unfurling what appeared to be an Islamic State flag in Regent’s Park in central London.
Officers at Scotland Yard believe they have identified the third accomplice, but he has not yet been named.Officers at Scotland Yard believe they have identified the third accomplice, but he has not yet been named.
Updated
at 10.14am BST
10.02am BST10.02am BST
10:0210:02
Sam JonesSam Jones
The mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, has joined her New York counterpart Bill de Blasio in offering support to London Mayor Sadiq Khan in the face of criticism from Donald Trump.The mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, has joined her New York counterpart Bill de Blasio in offering support to London Mayor Sadiq Khan in the face of criticism from Donald Trump.
The attack on the Mayor of London by Trump is unacceptable and only serves to divide and spread panic. @SadiqKhan has Barcelona's support https://t.co/T5t9zDYWD3The attack on the Mayor of London by Trump is unacceptable and only serves to divide and spread panic. @SadiqKhan has Barcelona's support https://t.co/T5t9zDYWD3
Keep Calm and Carry On, London. We’ve got your back. https://t.co/TAJ8OP4m5pKeep Calm and Carry On, London. We’ve got your back. https://t.co/TAJ8OP4m5p
9.55am BST9.55am BST
09:5509:55
The former independent reviewer of terrorism, David Anderson, has urged the government not to revive terrorism prevention and investigation measures or TPIMs in the wake of the attack.The former independent reviewer of terrorism, David Anderson, has urged the government not to revive terrorism prevention and investigation measures or TPIMs in the wake of the attack.
The former Tory leader, Iain Duncan-Smith said on Sunday he believed May would “beef up” Tpims to restore powers to force suspects to move homes.The former Tory leader, Iain Duncan-Smith said on Sunday he believed May would “beef up” Tpims to restore powers to force suspects to move homes.
In a letter to the Times, Anderson pointed out that relocation power to force a terror suspect to move up to 200 miles away from their homes was already restored in 2015.In a letter to the Times, Anderson pointed out that relocation power to force a terror suspect to move up to 200 miles away from their homes was already restored in 2015.
Writing in response to an opinion piece, Anderson said the use of TPIMs would fuel grievances. He wrote:Writing in response to an opinion piece, Anderson said the use of TPIMs would fuel grievances. He wrote:
“TPIMs, the coalition government’s replacement for control orders, are as stringent as anything available in a western democracy. Since the power to “relocate” subjects away from their home city was re-introduced (on my recommendation) in 2015, they have provided an effective way of dealing with a small number of terror suspects against whom it has not been possible to deploy the UK’s well-stocked armoury of criminal offences.“TPIMs, the coalition government’s replacement for control orders, are as stringent as anything available in a western democracy. Since the power to “relocate” subjects away from their home city was re-introduced (on my recommendation) in 2015, they have provided an effective way of dealing with a small number of terror suspects against whom it has not been possible to deploy the UK’s well-stocked armoury of criminal offences.
“The fires of grievance would certainly be fuelled were thousands of people to be constrained indefinitely, on the basis of executive suspicions communicated to them only in outline. Prosecution and surveillance, supported by communities and backed where necessary by TPIMs, are surer solutions.”“The fires of grievance would certainly be fuelled were thousands of people to be constrained indefinitely, on the basis of executive suspicions communicated to them only in outline. Prosecution and surveillance, supported by communities and backed where necessary by TPIMs, are surer solutions.”
My letter in The Times today on control orders/TPIMs. See also the contribution of Michael Clarke @RUSI_org (£) https://t.co/kRJw9A9Rin. pic.twitter.com/t8sOhS6qk4My letter in The Times today on control orders/TPIMs. See also the contribution of Michael Clarke @RUSI_org (£) https://t.co/kRJw9A9Rin. pic.twitter.com/t8sOhS6qk4
9.32am BST9.32am BST
09:3209:32
The Dean of Southwark Cathedral, Andrew Nunn, is offering to help to people still locked out of their homes in the police cordon to the south-west of London Bridge.The Dean of Southwark Cathedral, Andrew Nunn, is offering to help to people still locked out of their homes in the police cordon to the south-west of London Bridge.
If you are living within the police cordon around @Southwarkcathed please let me know if there is anything we can do for you.If you are living within the police cordon around @Southwarkcathed please let me know if there is anything we can do for you.
As of 8.15am Tuesday the police cordon at #Londonbridge remains the same as yesterday. pic.twitter.com/ZybrXf10NJAs of 8.15am Tuesday the police cordon at #Londonbridge remains the same as yesterday. pic.twitter.com/ZybrXf10NJ
9.26am BST9.26am BST
09:2609:26
The security services in Pakistan have searched a restaurant of one of Khuram Butt’s relatives in the city of Jhelum, 60 miles south east of Islamabad, the Telegraph reports.The security services in Pakistan have searched a restaurant of one of Khuram Butt’s relatives in the city of Jhelum, 60 miles south east of Islamabad, the Telegraph reports.
One official at the scene told The Telegraph that British officials had said that they suspected Khuram Butt had been radicalised in the UK rather than in Pakistan, but that they were carrying out searches of relatives’ houses as precaution.One official at the scene told The Telegraph that British officials had said that they suspected Khuram Butt had been radicalised in the UK rather than in Pakistan, but that they were carrying out searches of relatives’ houses as precaution.
“Our British counterparts told us they don’t think he was radicalised here, and we think it is probably more likely that he was trained in Syria. But we are searching the homes of any relatives connected to him and we are tracing all telephone calls made by family members,” the official said.“Our British counterparts told us they don’t think he was radicalised here, and we think it is probably more likely that he was trained in Syria. But we are searching the homes of any relatives connected to him and we are tracing all telephone calls made by family members,” the official said.
9.12am BST9.12am BST
09:1209:12
Sadiq Khan has stepped up his war of words with Donald Trump, accusing the US president of making “ignorant” comments about Muslims that play into the hands of extremists.Sadiq Khan has stepped up his war of words with Donald Trump, accusing the US president of making “ignorant” comments about Muslims that play into the hands of extremists.
Appearing on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Khan said: “There are millions of Muslims around the world who love America, me included. And to play into the so-called Isis narrative that western liberal values are incompatible with Islam is ignorant.”Appearing on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, Khan said: “There are millions of Muslims around the world who love America, me included. And to play into the so-called Isis narrative that western liberal values are incompatible with Islam is ignorant.”
Khan said he was too busy to respond to Donald Trump’s tweets.Khan said he was too busy to respond to Donald Trump’s tweets.
Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his "no reason to be alarmed" statement. MSM is working hard to sell it!Pathetic excuse by London Mayor Sadiq Khan who had to think fast on his "no reason to be alarmed" statement. MSM is working hard to sell it!
At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!"At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is "no reason to be alarmed!"
He added: “We are not kids in play ground. He’s the president of the United States. I’m too busy to respond to his tweets. Isn’t he busy?”He added: “We are not kids in play ground. He’s the president of the United States. I’m too busy to respond to his tweets. Isn’t he busy?”
The mayor added: “I’m not in a war with Donald Trump.”The mayor added: “I’m not in a war with Donald Trump.”
He added: “It takes two to Tango. I’m not Tangoing with this guy. I’ve got better things to do. From Saturday till now my focus has been dealing the aftermath of the horrific attack, working with the police, the security services, the government. That’s why I’ve not responded to the tweets from Donald Trump.”He added: “It takes two to Tango. I’m not Tangoing with this guy. I’ve got better things to do. From Saturday till now my focus has been dealing the aftermath of the horrific attack, working with the police, the security services, the government. That’s why I’ve not responded to the tweets from Donald Trump.”
But Khan repeated his objection to the government’s invitation to host Trump on a state visit.But Khan repeated his objection to the government’s invitation to host Trump on a state visit.
State visits are given to leaders of countries who are respected and have done their dues and have earned a state visit. In the circumstances where there is the Muslim ban in place ... where he changed the refugee programme, I thought it was inappropriate and premature.State visits are given to leaders of countries who are respected and have done their dues and have earned a state visit. In the circumstances where there is the Muslim ban in place ... where he changed the refugee programme, I thought it was inappropriate and premature.
Some of the messages of support I have received, not just from US mayors and politicians, but ordinary Americans have raised my spirits.Some of the messages of support I have received, not just from US mayors and politicians, but ordinary Americans have raised my spirits.
8.53am BST8.53am BST
08:5308:53
Sam JonesSam Jones
Spain has urged the UK to speed up the formal identification of the seven people killed in the attack amid mounting fears for 39-year-old HSBC employee Ignacio Echeverría.Spain has urged the UK to speed up the formal identification of the seven people killed in the attack amid mounting fears for 39-year-old HSBC employee Ignacio Echeverría.
According to the Spanish daily El País, the country’s foreign minister, Alfonso Dastis, spoke to his British counterpart, Boris Johnson, on Monday night to ask for efforts to identify the bodies of the victims of the attack to be speeded up so as not to “add to the pain and anguish of the families”.According to the Spanish daily El País, the country’s foreign minister, Alfonso Dastis, spoke to his British counterpart, Boris Johnson, on Monday night to ask for efforts to identify the bodies of the victims of the attack to be speeded up so as not to “add to the pain and anguish of the families”.
Johnson apparently told Dastis that procedures needed to be followed to prevent misidentification.Johnson apparently told Dastis that procedures needed to be followed to prevent misidentification.
The paper said that the sister of the missing Spaniard, 39-year-old HSBC employee Ignacio Echeverría, had been unable to see any of the victims’ bodies so far.The paper said that the sister of the missing Spaniard, 39-year-old HSBC employee Ignacio Echeverría, had been unable to see any of the victims’ bodies so far.
Echeverría’s father, Joaquín, said he feared the worst.Echeverría’s father, Joaquín, said he feared the worst.
“We’ve had no news and at the moment, given that the wounded have been identified, I’m very pessimistic.”“We’ve had no news and at the moment, given that the wounded have been identified, I’m very pessimistic.”
He added: “By now you would have thought he’d have been identified and it seems he’s not among the wounded.”He added: “By now you would have thought he’d have been identified and it seems he’s not among the wounded.”
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.01am BSTat 9.01am BST
8.33am BST8.33am BST
08:3308:33
The Australian media has named 28-year-old Kirsty Boden as one of the seven victims of the attack.The Australian media has named 28-year-old Kirsty Boden as one of the seven victims of the attack.
Boden, from Loxton, South Australia, was working as a health professional in London, according to 9 News Australia.Boden, from Loxton, South Australia, was working as a health professional in London, according to 9 News Australia.
It says:It says:
It is unclear whether Ms Boden was attacked at London Bridge or during the rampage that followed in the Borough Market area.It is unclear whether Ms Boden was attacked at London Bridge or during the rampage that followed in the Borough Market area.
There are unconfirmed reports Ms Boden may have been attacked while going to the aid of another person.There are unconfirmed reports Ms Boden may have been attacked while going to the aid of another person.
It is understood she is the previously unidentified Australian that prime minister Malcolm Turnbull referred to during a press conference this morning.It is understood she is the previously unidentified Australian that prime minister Malcolm Turnbull referred to during a press conference this morning.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.40am BSTat 8.40am BST
8.20am BST8.20am BST
08:2008:20
Amelia GentlemanAmelia Gentleman
If London normality means grabbing an umbrella and putting on a winter coat in June, then normality has returned for commuters coming out of London Bridge tube station this morning.If London normality means grabbing an umbrella and putting on a winter coat in June, then normality has returned for commuters coming out of London Bridge tube station this morning.
Borough Market remains cordoned off, its shops and restaurants inaccessible and closed, and police say it is not expected to reopen today.Borough Market remains cordoned off, its shops and restaurants inaccessible and closed, and police say it is not expected to reopen today.
The tube station exits leading towards Borough High Street are closed, and Transport for London has been advising passengers to avoid London Bridge tube, because of expected congestion.The tube station exits leading towards Borough High Street are closed, and Transport for London has been advising passengers to avoid London Bridge tube, because of expected congestion.
But a steady stream of rush-hour workers are emerging from the station, heads down into the wind and driving rain, barely pausing to examine the huge pile of flowers laid by the traffic lights at the end of London Bridge, opposite the Barrowboy and Banker pub where some victims were stabbed on Saturday.But a steady stream of rush-hour workers are emerging from the station, heads down into the wind and driving rain, barely pausing to examine the huge pile of flowers laid by the traffic lights at the end of London Bridge, opposite the Barrowboy and Banker pub where some victims were stabbed on Saturday.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.39am BSTat 8.39am BST
8.14am BST8.14am BST
08:1408:14
Transport for London has confirmed that one of the attackers, Khuram Butt, worked as trainee customer services assistant for six months last year.Transport for London has confirmed that one of the attackers, Khuram Butt, worked as trainee customer services assistant for six months last year.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.17am BSTat 8.17am BST
8.10am BST8.10am BST
08:1008:10
Lisa O'CarrollLisa O'Carroll
Residents in London Bridge have expressed frustration at the lack of information from police about the prospect of them returning to their homes.Residents in London Bridge have expressed frustration at the lack of information from police about the prospect of them returning to their homes.
One resident, who spoke to the Guardian, said:One resident, who spoke to the Guardian, said:
“We understand the sensitivities of this and that it is a crime scene but it seems incredible that in all the police response not one part of it is liaison with local residents.“We understand the sensitivities of this and that it is a crime scene but it seems incredible that in all the police response not one part of it is liaison with local residents.
“We’ve been locked out since Saturday. Police at the cordon told us to go to Southwark council which is just useless as the council know nothing.“We’ve been locked out since Saturday. Police at the cordon told us to go to Southwark council which is just useless as the council know nothing.
“We have gone to our local councillor and our local MP and none of them can get any information.“We have gone to our local councillor and our local MP and none of them can get any information.
“They can open London bridge and let commuters get on with their lives, but what about us? I have a flight to an important business meeting on Wednesday and can’t even go home to get my passport.”“They can open London bridge and let commuters get on with their lives, but what about us? I have a flight to an important business meeting on Wednesday and can’t even go home to get my passport.”
8.07am BST8.07am BST
08:0708:07
Vikram DoddVikram Dodd
Government cuts to police funding have damaged attempts to prevent attacks, Britain’s former counter-terrorism chief has said.Government cuts to police funding have damaged attempts to prevent attacks, Britain’s former counter-terrorism chief has said.
Robert Quick, who led the counter-terrorism effort from 2008-09, told the Guardian that intelligence from communities about people supporting violent jihad had been lost.Robert Quick, who led the counter-terrorism effort from 2008-09, told the Guardian that intelligence from communities about people supporting violent jihad had been lost.
Quick, who served as Scotland Yard’s assistant commissioner in charge of the counter-terrorism command, said: “Counter-terrorism funding is ringfenced but cuts to the general policing budget has impacted on neighbourhood policing teams in many parts of the country including London.Quick, who served as Scotland Yard’s assistant commissioner in charge of the counter-terrorism command, said: “Counter-terrorism funding is ringfenced but cuts to the general policing budget has impacted on neighbourhood policing teams in many parts of the country including London.
“This has reduced the capacity of the police to work in communities building relationships and trust to in turn generate community-based intelligence about persons of concern.”“This has reduced the capacity of the police to work in communities building relationships and trust to in turn generate community-based intelligence about persons of concern.”
Labour has said the Conservative decision to cut police numbers since 2010 has left Britain vulnerable.Labour has said the Conservative decision to cut police numbers since 2010 has left Britain vulnerable.
7.47am BST7.47am BST
07:4707:47
Harriet SherwoodHarriet Sherwood
More than 130 imams and Muslim religious leaders have said they will refuse to say funeral prayers for the perpetrators of Saturday’s attack in London.More than 130 imams and Muslim religious leaders have said they will refuse to say funeral prayers for the perpetrators of Saturday’s attack in London.
In a highly unusual move, Muslim religious figures from across the country and from different schools of Islam said their pain at the suffering of the victims and their families led them to refuse to perform the traditional Islamic prayer – a ritual normally performed for every Muslim regardless of their actions. They called on others to do the same.In a highly unusual move, Muslim religious figures from across the country and from different schools of Islam said their pain at the suffering of the victims and their families led them to refuse to perform the traditional Islamic prayer – a ritual normally performed for every Muslim regardless of their actions. They called on others to do the same.
They expressed “shock and utter disgust at these cold-blooded murders”, adding:They expressed “shock and utter disgust at these cold-blooded murders”, adding:
We will not perform the traditional Islamic funeral prayer over the perpetrators and we also urge fellow imams and religious authorities to withdraw such a privilege. This is because such indefensible actions are completely at odds with the lofty teachings of Islam.We will not perform the traditional Islamic funeral prayer over the perpetrators and we also urge fellow imams and religious authorities to withdraw such a privilege. This is because such indefensible actions are completely at odds with the lofty teachings of Islam.
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.59am BSTat 7.59am BST