After the brutal killing of an innocent solider in Woolwich, emerges a huge debate on terrorism as many are left bemused on any clarifications of the death not knowing if it was a horrific murder case or a terrorist attack.
25 year old Drummer Lee Rigby who was wearing a ‘Help the Hero’s top at the time of histragic killing was first run over by a car and then stabbed by Michael Adeboloja ‘Mujahidand his accomplish, both now in custody after their release from hospital after being shot by armed police. An attack on a solider on home turf is rare and therefore this story made international headlines, the shock and fear spread like wild fire through communities and pockets of certain groups decided to vent their anger through protests and spreading hate and dividing communities when this was a time to strengthen individuals and highlight the incident to prevent any further such attacks.
Whilst some members of the extreme right party the EDL walked through Woolwich and other parts of the country causing disruption, other communities such as the Muslim and Sikh community saw this opportunity to highlight the importance of different faith groups to strengthen their bond and engage in community cohesion.
Prime Minister David Cameron described the Woolwich killing as “truly shocking” and said he had asked the Home Secretary to chair a meeting of Cobra, the Government’s emergency committee.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson called the incident a “sickening, deluded and unforgivable act of violence.”
Immediately after the horrific attack hit the headlines the Muslim council of Britain issued an immediate statement condemning the killing.
In Birmingham the Lozells Muslim Unite To Support Help the Heroes. Association of Non-Stun Abattoirs (ANSA), Lozells Central Mosque and the Local community have joined forces and organised a fundraising eventto support the ‘Help The Heroes’ Campaign.
Event Organiser, Lozells resident and Communication Director of ANSA,Mohammed Saleem said: ‘”It is important at this difficult time to convey full support of the armed forces. We are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with all sections of society to condemn this barbaric murder. It is testing times for all of us; let us ride out this storm sensibly and cohesively.
Local Councillor and Chairman of Birmingham City Council’s O&S Committeefor Social Cohesion & Community Safety, Councillor Waseem Zaffar MBE JPsaid: “The event is the real face of the Muslim Community in Birmingham, not the handful of extremists that try to divide our community. This attack on a member of the armed forces, one of thousands of brave men and women that protect our communities and the national security of our country, has caused great concern to people of all faiths and no faith.”
The police and government are working hard to establish how such an ordeal could take place and was not intercepted by Mi5 sooner, they as many thousands of others are also trying hard to establish if this killing can be deemed a terrorist attack or if it was a cold blooded murder.
