DAR AL HARB - U.K.: MOSLEMS ON THE VERGE OF A SEETH-A-THON?!?!?

Muslim anger rises over alleged terror plot raids
CAROLINE GAMMELL

AMID growing fury at police handling of raids that saw nine men arrested in connection with an alleged terror plot, Birmingham's Muslim community held an urgent public meeting last night in an attempt to quell the anger.

Community leaders criticised the intense media speculation surrounding the arrests, saying it was stoking resentment towards Muslims, and that no evidence had yet been produced of criminal activity.

Meanwhile, detectives continued to question those arrested in the city. Eight of the suspects were picked up during dawn raids on Wednesday, while the ninth was stopped on a motorway in the city several hours later.

Last Thursday, West Midlands Police were given a further seven days to hold the men after applying for an extension at Coventry Magistrates' Court.

Assistant Chief Constable David Shaw said a number of procedures had to be completed before formal interviews could take place. "Far better that we use a measured, calculated, meticulous response than rush into things," he said.

Forensic specialists have been scouring 15 properties in Birmingham that were seized during Wednesday's operation. A further three search warrants were executed yesterday.

Shaw said six searches had been completed and a "significant quantity" of exhibits had been gathered. "I don't want you to read anything into that," he said. "Our priority now is to examine what is actually contained in those exhibits."

The nine suspects, British men of Pakistani descent, have been detained on suspicion of the commission, instigation or preparation of acts of terrorism. Shaw said they will remain in custody at Chase Avenue Police Station in Coventry.

Police can detain terror suspects for 28 days without charge. However, they have to apply for a series of extensions - each time appearing before a judge to outline the evidence and questions they want to put to the men.

The alleged plot involved the abduction and beheading of a British Muslim soldier, according to sources. It has been suggested there could have been more than one potential target for the kidnapping.

...

Pertinent Links:

1) Muslim anger rises over alleged terror plot raids