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SALMAN RUSHDIE KNIGHTHOOD
MUST BE WITHDRAWN
Published: 21.06.2007
19:00
The
Ramadhan Foundation today calls on the British Government to withdraw
the Knighthood that has been awarded to the discredited author Salman
Rushdie. It is baffling that the Government has not considered
the consequences of awarding a knighthood to a man that spent the past
twenty years demonising and attacking Islam.
We
urge the Muslims around the world to remain calm and not be provoked
into a violent reaction as some may wish. They should use the
opportunity to demonstrate that the vast majority of Muslims are people
of peace and tolerance. But with this freedom comes huge
responsibility, which is why we are calling for people not to launch
into another bashing of those people of faith in our country.
This
is not only about Muslims, but about all those of faith that value
respect and tolerance, this award sends out a signal that people that
do not respect each other’s faith will be rewarded by the Government
for this intolerance.
Mr. Shazad Anwar, Chief Executive of the Foundation comments:
“The
Ramadhan Foundation urges the Government to withdraw this offer of a
knighthood as it has hurt the feelings of 1.6 Billion Muslims around
the world. Salman Rushdie is a man since the 80’s who has
attacked and demonised Islam, his every contribution in the media is
about bashing our faith – a man who does this does not deserve such an
accolade.
We
urge Muslims around the world to remain calm and not allow those with
an agenda to create division; and let us not fall into the trap created
by the bigots.
I
hope that the UK Government rethinks on this knighthood”
END
Notes for editors
The
Ramadhan Foundation is the UK's leading Muslim youth organisation that
is working for peaceful co-existence and dialogue for all
communities. Based in Greater Manchester and working to also
create the platform for Muslim unity amongst our communities in the UK.
For
further information contact:
Mr.
Mohammed Shafiq
Press
Spokesman
Mohammed.shafiq@ramadhanfoundation.com
07814835912
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