30.10.2011
Conservative MP Mike Freer was threatened by members of Muslims Against Crusades while holding an advice surgery in a mosque in Finchley, north London, on Friday afternoon. Freer reported that a group of about 12 people forced their way inside the mosque, called him a “Jewish homosexual pig” (BBC) and screamed that someone who is gay was “not welcome in a house of Allah” (Express). Prior to the incident, Muslims Against Crusades had published a message on their website, making reference to Labour MP Stephen Timms, who was stabbed while holding a surgery in East London last year (as reported), and reminding any MP that their presence in Muslim areas was no longer welcome. <as the BBC reports, the message also urged MAC supporters to target Freer, Finchley and Golders Green MP and not a Jew himself, but member of the Conservative Friends of Israel, as he allegedly “had the blood of thousands of Muslims on his hands”. During the abuse in the mosque, Freer was escorted to a locked part of the building by members of staff, where they waited until assistance arrived. Freer had not been aware of the online announcements prior to the incident. It is assumed that he was targeted by the group, as he demanded that the Palestinian Sheikh Raed Salah be banned from the UK earlier this year. He now re-emphasized that he would continue to condemn all forms of religious intolerance and added that he wanted Home Secretary Theresa may to closely monitor the actions of Muslims Against Crusades.
