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HERE TO CHALLENGE! A GUIDE TO WHATS HAPPENING IN LGBT BRIGHTON & HOVE
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3 Muslim Men found guilty of incitement to hatred
By James Ledward
Jan 20, 2012 - 3:28:54 PM
Jan 20, 2012 - 3:28:54 PM
Three muslim men have been convicted of stirring up hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation.
The men were found guilty of the offence today (January 20) following a trial at Derby Crown Court.
Ihjaz Ali, Kabir Ahmed and Razwan Javed had distributed a pamphlet, called The Death Penalty?, showing an image of a mannequin hanging from a noose and it quoted Islamic texts that said capital punishment was the only way to rid society of homosexuality.
Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive, said:
"We’re satisfied to see these extremists convicted for distributing offensive and inflammatory leaflets that suggested gay people should be burnt or stoned to death. This case vindicates Stonewall’s long fight to secure specific legal protection for gay people against incitement to hatred. Witnesses told the court they felt threatened and deeply fearful in their own homes. People from all communities will feel safer knowing that the law now makes it harder to stir up hatred and violence against gay people."
The men were found guilty of the offence today (January 20) following a trial at Derby Crown Court.
Ihjaz Ali, Kabir Ahmed and Razwan Javed had distributed a pamphlet, called The Death Penalty?, showing an image of a mannequin hanging from a noose and it quoted Islamic texts that said capital punishment was the only way to rid society of homosexuality.
It is the first prosecution of its kind under the new legislation which came into force in March 2010.
Mehboob Hussain and Umar Javed, were also charged with the same offence, and were found not guilty by the jury.
They had distributed leaflets saying Islam "punished" homosexuals and other threatening material including suggesting violent ways to kill gay people.
Ben Summerskill
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Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive, said:
"We’re satisfied to see these extremists convicted for distributing offensive and inflammatory leaflets that suggested gay people should be burnt or stoned to death. This case vindicates Stonewall’s long fight to secure specific legal protection for gay people against incitement to hatred. Witnesses told the court they felt threatened and deeply fearful in their own homes. People from all communities will feel safer knowing that the law now makes it harder to stir up hatred and violence against gay people."
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