Imam of the Masjid-E-Umer mosque in Walthamstow says the convictions should be a lesson (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Imam of the Masjid-E-Umer mosque in Walthamstow says the convictions should be a lesson

5:54pm Thursday 10th December 2009 in

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A MUSLIM leader has condemned the actions of bomb plotters jailed for conspiracy to cause mass murder.

Adam Khatib, of Wellington Road, Walthamstow, was found guilty of being part of a terrorist cell led by Abdullah Ahmed Ali, also from Walthamstow, which planned to blow up transatlantic passenger planes using bombs disguised as soft drinks.

Co-defendant Nabeel Hussain, 25, of Chingford, was jailed for eight years after being found guilty of preparing terrorist acts by meeting Ali twice in July 2006 and possessing materials, namely a will, mobile phones and a £25,000 loan application, for use in terrorism.

Four Waltham Forest men have now been convicted of what has been described as an attempt to carry out the biggest terrorist atrocity since 9/11.

Tanvir Hussain, of Leyton, was in September convicted along with Ali of conspiring to cause mass murder. A number of the plotters have been reported to have worshipped at the Masjid-E-Umer mosque in Queens Road, Walthamstow.

And Imam Mohammed Shoaid admitted the mosque has been targeted by extremists who distribute leaflets after Friday prayers.

Immam Shoaid also said he has handed CDs promoting terrorism training, which were left in the mosque foyer, over to police.

He said: ““What (the plotters) were thinking of doing was wrong. They say they are doing it in the name of Islam but that is wrong. To kill innocent people is not permissible even in times of war - it is murder and nothing else.”

“It is a worry and it is frustrating because it is the actions of a few individuals, but blame comes to the whole community - and even to the mosque. “In reality, the mosque has nothing to do with those people and their actions, but because of their actions the whole community suffers.

“It is very hard to identify those being influenced by extremists. But I think the groups are more prevalent in Universities. Here, I wouldn't expect it because I would confront them and report it.

"But I have children at University and I told them to use the prayer rooms but not to join an Islamic Society as you don't know who will be giving the lectures. I think it is a problem that is not being addressed.”

He continued: “But we are connecting with young people and at Friday lectures sometimes we touch on these issues. People need to know this is wrong and I hope this serves as a lesson to them.”

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