Carol Anne Grayson (Radical Sister) blog

Drone strikes over Afghanistan have killed many civilians (Image World Bulletin)

(Guest post from Islamic Emirate)

Numerous events of betrayals and deception form part of the American history. As such, they can be called champions of the field of deception and wiles at global level! Strangely enough they do not feel embarrassed rather feel proud. During the last days of 2014, Obama the president of the invading America announced resolutely and proudly that our combat mission had ended. That only to deceive the Afghans. In fact after five months of the announcement until today, the war, bombardments, brutal killing and harassment of civilians have been continuing.

The brutal American drone attack on funeral ceremony in Bati village of Ali Sher district, Khost province on 5 June 2015, which resulted in the killing and injuries of several innocent civilians is the recent example of this deception and brutalities. The recent incident is horrible and despicable due to many reasons. The targeting of funeral ceremony in broad daylight, the killing of innocent civilians deliberately and plunging their families into grief and anguish is an act which could only be expected from war criminals and savage beasts. It is not tolerable to any human being.

On 3 June 2015, just two days before the incident, in reaction to the gruesome incident in Balk province where nine workers of an aid organization were killed, the Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International plainly said that the killing of Afghans (civilians) was a war crime. Human Rights Watch analyst Heather Barr said: “This was shocking and horrifying. What we are most concerned about is the fact that this appears to be intentional targeting of civilians”. Following Heather Barr remarks, media outlets indefatigably tried to publish a lot of articles and analysis and gave full coverage to the issue.

Comparably, no one paid attention to the intentional killing of nomads (civilian Afghans) and to the dropping of phosphorous bombs on funeral ceremony in broad daylight. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are also silent about the incident, no coverage has been given to the incidents by media outlets.  Still more, the surrogate administration of Khost Province called the civilians terrorists and considered their killings as a legitimate right of America. As far as the two-headed Administration is concerned, they okay every decision of America and thank them after the killing and harassment of Afghans.

No doubt, All Afghans, whether allies or opponents, and the entire world know that American powers-that-be top the list of war crimes. They act like beasts of prey during their conduct with human beings. Their immense crime is their invasion on the freedom and independence of nations. They have ruined the system of the world for their interests and do not think they are subject to any law or commitment to any treaty or promise and back tracking on their promises do not embarrass them.

How would Afghans trust the promises of invaders while their assertions in the morning contradict those of the evening? Their acts are contrary to their assertions. One day they say: we are leaving Afghanistan, we have accomplished our job and we have succeeded. Another day they declare, no, we are staying, we are not leaving Afghanistan. Sometimes they say the war has ended but next day they say the war is ongoing.

From the beginnings our message to the invaders is that the Afghans have a tested prescription to eliminate viruses of invasion. That is the continuation of sacred Jihad against every occupation. The sacred Jihad is the only remedy to disinfect all harmful viruses of deception, conspiracies and atrocities of the enemy.

End

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

 Alleged drone “spies” executed in Yemen and US warned to familiarize itself with the word “revenge”

(The following blog was forwarded to selected media from an “AQAP, Al Qaeda in Arabian Peninsular supporter” regarding the execution of alleged spies said to be linked to drone strikes in Yemen.)

States… “Allahu Akbar, Al Qaeda executes the spy ‘Human al-Humayd’ & a number of others responsible for the recent martyrdoms”

Taliban Afghanistan (image Khaama Press)

Alhaj Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor, Deputy Leader and acting Leader of Leadership Council, Islamic Emirate has written to Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi, Emir of the Islamic State outlining clearly what the Afghan Taliban will and won’t tolerate from IS. This follows months of speculation after allegations of clashes between the groups when IS moved to recruit in Afghanistan/Pakistan establishing Wilayat Khorasan with some defections from the Taliban, see following link (January 12th 2015),

“Are IS gaining a foothold in AfPak, new release shows some allegiance in the region”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/are-is-gaining-a-foothold-in-afpak-new-video-release-shows-some-allegiance-in-the-region/

Back in March, the Islamic State in Khorasan Province sent a video to selected journalists confirming the death by drone of Mullah Abdul Rauf Khadim, (Abu Talha al Khorasani) deputy in command allegedly representing IS in Afghanistan/Pakistan region. IS have recently claimed an active role in operations in the area.

Although the tone of the correspondence from Mansoor to Baghdadi is respectful between brothers in Islam, Islamic Emirate have made it very clear that no interference in Afghanistan or parallel system will be tolerated. The content of the letter is as follows:-

http://alemara1.org/?p=17042

Letter of Islamic Emirate’s Leadership commission to Distinguished Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi (translation to English)

 بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

لحمدلله معز التوحید وأهله، ومذل الشرك و حزبه، وأشهد ان لا اله الا الله وحده لا شریك له في ربوبیته و ألوهیته و أسمائه وصفاته، و أشهد أن نبینا محمدا عبده و رسوله، اللهم صل و سلم و بارك علیه و علی آله و أصحابه وبعد :

Assalam Alaikum Wa Rahmatullah Wa Barakatuh

We ask from Allah to give us power of serving the religion of Allah, and wish and ask victory for all Mujahideen and their tiding to the Ruling of Sharia.

With Due respect, Afghanistan since the rise of first century of the Islam till now is a strong and fortified fort of Islam and has played 2^nd important rule after Arab Peninsula  in spreading of islam in Asia continent.

The International heroes of recent Jihad Imam-ul-Mujahideen Sheidh Abdullah Azam, Qaid-ul-Mujahideen Sheih Osama Bin Ladin, Qahir-u-Salibin Abdu Masaab Zarqawai and Qahir-ul-Mulhidin khitab Rahimahumullah were privileged to have graduated from Afghanistan Jihad Madrasaa.

 Since the beginning with spirit and Commitment that Mujahideen has began Jihad Against British empire, Russian Invasion and current Jihad against Americans, and has given unlimited sacrifices and Afghanistan Muslim nation and Islamic Emirate is still giving unforgettable sacrifices in this way. And we see that once more the current Jihad against aggressor crusadors is Inshaallah near to the boundaries of victory. American and their allies have almost abandoned the battlefield. Muahideen are expanding their territories day by day by and we hope more victories from Allah in year 1436 so we can get rid of remnants of the enemy.  وماذالك علی الله بعزیز

 Dears, One of the reason of the American Led occupation was to destroy the Sharia ruled Government in Afghanistan. A sharia Ruled Government which was run according to Quraan and Hadith and according to the jurisdiction of Ahle Suna Wal Jamaa’s clear and transparent jurisdictions and all the rulings in all sections of the government were ran according to these Sharia Jurisdictions. Which caused to eliminate All type of Shirks, Bidaas, Khurafas and Communist concepts.

In the same time Islamic system of Islamic emirate was not tolerable for American led International Kuffar and their attacked it by making different propagandas and pretentions.

Afghan Muslim national under the leadership of Amir-ul-muminin Mullah Mohammad Omar Mujahid (Hafizahullah) bravely organized the line of jihad against occupiers and have given unforeseen sacrifices for the past 13 years to free Afghanistan and establish Islamic government here.

 Important to bring to your attention that Islamic emirates Jihadist Policy against the crusaders and international Kuffar  is unity of lines and  special concentration on unity of Jihad lines.

We have already tested bad experience of Jihad lines division and differences during Soviet invasion and their severe and bad implications which resulted in waste of 14years Jihad, one and Half millions Shuhadaa and hopes of the Islamic Ummah that were linked to this Islamic Jihad.

We would bring the Holy Statement of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) here {لاَ يُلْدَغُ الْمُؤْمِنُ مِنْ جُحْرٍ وَاحِدٍ مَرَّتَيْنِ} رواه البخاري برقم 83، ومسلم برقم 7690.

Islamic Emirates strictly insist on the unity of Jihad lines which is the core and Allah says in this regard in Holy Quraan:

 إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِهِ صَفّاً كَأَنَّهُم بُنيَانٌ مَّرْصُوصٌ (4) الصف

And another verse very clearly forbid Muslims from divisions, differences and internal conflicts and says to muslims:

.: وَأَطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ وَلَا تَنَازَعُوا فَتَفْشَلُوا وَتَذْهَبَ رِيحُكُمْ ۖ وَاصْبِرُوا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ (46) الانفال

Islamic Emirate by adhering and following the above mentioned verses, from its previous Jihadist experiences and understanding the environment of its society, don’t consider the existence of multiple Jihadist lines in benefit of Jihad neither in benefit of Muslims. Because this is one of the specialty of the Afghan environment that internal conflicts and disputes always exist and if the leadership is one then this eliminates the chances of disputes and conflicts.

Until now Islamic emirate has successfully eliminated all Fitnas of disputes, conflicts and division by having unity of lines. And now if there are struggles to have brought another line Jihad or leadership beside Islamic emirates, this will deliberately assist in providing an environment of disputes and divisions. Therefore Islamic emirates conditions the Jihadist operations under the leadership of Emirates and insist on following points:

1.    That unity of lines is a need, necessity and obligation, specially when we are in war with American crusader Kuffar. Therefore Jihad in Afghanistan against Occupier American Kuffar and Allies should be under single banner and single leadership.

Afghanistan Islamic Emirate leadership is appointed by 1500 Ulama Council of the country (Ahl Hal , Aqd Shura) by issuing a Sharai Jurisdiction  (Fatwa) and their allegiance to Islamic emirate, and Worlds famous Fiqhi Scholar like Al Sheikh Hamud Bin Qalaa Al Shuaibi Rahimullah and Jihadist Leader like Osama bin Laden Rahimahullah have recognized and acknowledged this emirate and still Afghanistan Islamic Emirates is steadily standing and following the same stance and has support and ?? from all follower of Ahle Sunna was Jamaa, and no one has found any thing or point disputed or able of complaining. Therefore is there is no reason from point of view neither of Sharia nor logically to have opened another parallel lines.

2.    According to Sharia and sane thinking, This is obligation of Muslims to acquire methods and ways by which they can preserve their islamic society and Sharai and daily life affairs which can guarantee their security, and existence. Islamic Emirate consider their Shar’ai and day to day life goodness in unity and consider division of lines though other names and banners harmful to Jihad and Muslims.

Afghanistan Islamic Emirates wants your goodness since you are our brother in Islam and considering not interfering in your affairs. Same manner we hope the same from you and wishes you only goodness from your side due our brotherhood relationship of Islam. Due to the current Jihad situation in Afghanistan , The goodness of the Muslim and islam is in unity of lines and it’s continuation as a single line and unit.

3.    During the Period of its Jihad against Americans and allies, Islamic emirate has given unforgettable defeats to them and except cities have freed all areas from Kuffar occupation, Shirk and other acts which are against Islamic Sharia.  And after 2 decades of resistance and steadfastness, Islamic emirates united lines are an ideal and  hoping reality for Muslims against America and other enemies of Islam.

American and other enemies of Islam have made numerous attempts pave way of success for its occupation of Afghanistan to divide the lines of the Mujahideen in Afghanistan but as Islamic Emirate has defeated them in military field, so like to defeat them and defuse their future ambitious/destructive plans by strengthening further it’s united lines.

 So we wish from Allah not that to happen that in such a sensitive stage, where we already face lots of conspiracies from Kuffar, Your supports should not to such things which will cause disruption in Mujahideens’ commanding, cause disunity and our enemies get to their targets which is bringing divisions among the united lines of Islamic Emirate.

4.    In addition to Afghanistan, lots of other Islamic countries so are the victims of Americas cruel conspiracies and are under occupation one way or another. The big cause of failure of muslims against these cruelty is disunity among the muslims and lack of single leadership. So therefore to avoid the disunity Fitna in Afghanistan, Islamic Emirate consider it in goodness of Ummah and Jihad that All Jihadi operation to take place under the united lines of Islamic Emirates. And consider making more parties (Tanzims), slogans against an action against goodness of Islamic norms and against Mujahideen.

5.    Islamic Emirate performs it’s Jihad against International Kufar, Shirk and Bidaa practices in accordance to the ruling of Quraan and Sunnah Nabvi, Sharai and Islamic matters are of importance and core and for their transformation into reality need spiritual and financial support of the Muslims from all over the world. So we hope from you respected to not get information from those sources who are not happy from Islamic emirates for different reasonsor been expelled from Holy lines of Jihad due to their crimes. Instead you should directly contact with Islamic Emirate leadership, Formal/introduced media representative and get your satisfaction regarding matters. This will increase trust and confidence among us.

6.    Afghanistan Islamic Emirates consider the defeat of USA and NATO as defeat of Crusades in all over the world. And Allah has given this victory to the Muajahideen of Afghanistan for their sincerity, Trust in Allah, Sabr, and unity and Islamic Emirate Leadership further pray to Allah to follow these steps and we hope and wish that other Jiahadi movement throughout the to support us in every manner to transform our Jihad to Victory. We don’t expect from them to divide the lines of the Jihad and cause failure of Mujahideen, and keep us away from the happiness of Kuffar’s Defeat.

7.    Afghanistan Islamic Emirate’s Jihad against crusade occupies and important achievements is the result of Allah’s Support and then the result of thousands of martyrs, injured, those who are jail, orphans and widows (the hardship they have faced in this way).

All these sacrifices are made under one leadership and one slogan or banner. We pray to Allah not to happen, if through divisions, disputes among Mujahideen increase. All above mentioned achievement will be wasted due to the divisions of lines and opportunity will be lost.

At the same time this is very clear reality, That Islamic Emirate due to its transparent past, scarifies in the way of Islam and balanced Islamic policies, not only loved by people in Afghanistan but is loved by Muslims all over the world.  Now if the people relating themselves to you create problems from Islamic emirates, the Muslims of all over the world would be unhappy from these acts.

8.    Now that in different parts of the world Islamic movements, and figures have given unlimited sacrifices and each of them have less or more achievement. Have followers, supporters and place in society. And all the achievement are achieved in very difficult conditions and numerous sacrifices, So our advice to you is that in no part should you create such atmosphere where the services of these movements will be effected, disciplined dismissed, and cause internal disputes. And at last difference of thinking cause blood shedding, we pray to Allah to preserve us from such a situation. Believe us that such action are very badly damaging your popularity and your future activities. This causes martyrdom of Muslims and Salih People. The families of Shahadaa lose hope and give different opportunities to enemies for implementing their conspiracies.

9.    This is clear to you that in past 4 or less than 4 decades lots of irregularities, tribal, regional and group disputes/enmities, progressive intervention of Kuffar powers and other problems existed in Afghanistan. And Even now people do exist that who follow their former enmities/disputes from past. Therefore here in Afghanistan this has happened many times that people pretending to be Mujahideen have tried to ruin the image of the Jihaad and Mujahideen  but due to the support of Allah with Mujahideen and on other hand familiarity of Emirates leadership with population and people and have vast experience of Jihaad. So Islamic Emirate was able to identify such people and get them out of scenario. And Allah has preserved us very well from such problems.

We pray to Allah not that to happen, now the wonder us that due to your remoteness these selfish and bad people would misuse your name for such actions. So therefore we again insist you to be very attentive towards such danger to avoid any other line in opposition to the exiting lines of Islamic Emirate.

As the main objective of the Jihad is the highness of Kalmatullah and obligation all Muslims and specially Mujahideen. Islamic State should also assist and Support Islamic emirates in keeping its unity and strengthening. Not should the decisions be made from remote that would cause here the unhappiness of the  Mujahideens leaders, Scholars, and 1000s of Salih Mujahideens. This will cause in their hate and distance from Islamic state. And Islamic emirate reacts for the preserving of 2 million martyrs blood, and preserving its achievement.  We pray to Allah to preserve us from such a situation.

و صلّى الله على نبيّنا محمد وعلی آله و صحبه أجمعين.

و السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

Afghanistan Islamic Emirate

Deputy Leader and acting Leader of Leadership Council

Alhaj Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor

الحاج ملا اختر محمد منصور

16^th June 2015

End

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Yemen al-Qaeda chief al-Wuhayshi killed in US strike (AP)

Guest blog from Biased Reporter (Thursday, June 18, 2015)

Al Malahim-Media presents: Statement Regarding the Martyrdom of Sheikh Abu Basir Nasir al Wahishi – Rahimahullah, (via @AALMOJA3 ) see below:-

http://youtu.be/8IQgC4IaY1Q 

I am posting this video because it was deleted from the original account.  I am publishing this as journalism.

Here it is in Arabic,

Here is the English Translation,

“Statement Regarding the Martyrdom of Sheikh Abu Basir Nasir al Wahishi – Rahimahullah”

Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds and peace and blessings be upon the noblest of the prophets and the messengers. Thereafter:

We are al Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula and we mourn our leader Sheikh Emir Abu Basir Nasir ibn al Karim al Wahishi, rahimahullah. He was killed as a result of an American strike which targeted him and two of his mujahidin brothers, may a merciful Allah have mercy upon them and accept them among the ranks of the shuhada. As a result of this incident and despite being busy with fighting the Houthis and the supporters of the deposed on more than 11 fronts in different parts of Yemen, and despite the harsh security circumstances, Allah facilitated a meeting of the biggest number of Shura council members who agreed the successor is the righteous Sheikh Abu Huraira Qasim al Rimi, may Allah protect him. He was given our pledge of allegiance (baya’a) in that matter, thanks be to Allah.

Oh Islamic Ummah, this is a hero of heroes, and a leader of leaders. He pledged to Allah, and stayed true to his word and fulfilling his promises. He fought hardships to make hijrah, end his travels, and fulfill his obligation. Afghanistan knew him as one of its mountains, and praised him for the days of hardship he endured while in Tora Bora. Allah blessed him as he was a close friend and secretary for the mujahid Sheikh Umama bin Ladin, may Allah have mercy on his soul. He was a part of the first generation of fighters against American in different parts of the world since the 1990s. He continued on the path of jihad and was not affected by the fitna, uninterrupted by the current events, and undefeated by the trials. He was arrested but then he was arrested but persevered and remained steadfast until Allah granted him and a group of brothers an escape from the taghut’s prison. He worked hard with his brothers until Allah gave him a glorious conquest on them in the Arabian Peninsula and allowed them to establish strong leadership for jihad. He built buildings and handled matters wisely and kindly. A generation of mujahidin filled with the love of Islam and love of redemption were raised under his leadership. They drank from the source of his experiences and learned form his wisdom. They were and are currently at the front of the Ummah and the hope of Muslims. Sheikh Abu Basir has a great history, may Allah have mercy on his soul.

His biography is rich with things and it can’t be summarized in one statement. Regarding this point, if we were requested as witnesses, we would claim that he fulfilled his duties and was truthful. He extended his hand to Allah, raising the banner, and sticking to his religion and remaining steadfast in his principles. At no time was he failing in an issue relating to Allah. He never abandoned jihad or left his post. He came to understand jihad as a young man then he died after reaching his peak. During his life, he showed humility and noble character and was generous.

He held himself back for the sake of Islam and the Muslims and dedicated his life to jihad and the mujahidin. He took up concerns of the Ummah at the expense of his personal issues. He spent many days in jihad in the narrow mountain passes. To his brothers he was an example worth following. He provided a foundation and was a knowledgeable teacher and a guide, and a brother who you could seek advice from and a loving father.

Then he became a martyr, as we consider him, at the hands of the Crusaders of Rome. We congratulate him for having a superior end to his life as this is a great victory.

Oh Muslims, the Prophet, peace and prayers be upon him and his family and companions, passed away, but Islam neither ended or died. Regarding this matter, Allah the almighty said: “Muhammad is no more than a Prophet: there were many prophets that died before him. If he died or were killed, will you turn back on your heels? If any did this, not the least harm will he do to Allah, but Allah will quickly reward those who serve Him with gratitude.” (Quran al Imran 3:144) At no time did the death of a man take away from the strength of Islam, it did not stop the da’wah or hinder jihad. Oh how our current jihad has transformed, by the grace of Allah almighty, from being a jihad of the elite to a jihad of the Ummah. Oh how the Ummah has filled with good qualities of jihad, though its still in its first stages. It is no longer in a state of humiliation and affliction.

It is the victorious religion of Allah. Its rule is in force and its fate is already determined. Verily, it is the Ummah of Islam that resisted and faced dangers. Even while it was at its weakest point, it became victorious. The wars of apostasy, the series of Crusades and the destruction of the Tartars were the best examples of this. The Ummah of Islam faced these in the worst of circumstances. Islam and the Muslims will continue while the enemy infidels will be defeated. Allah almighty said “Allah has promised to those among you who believe and work righteous deeds, that He will grant them in the land an inheritance of power, as He granted it to those before them. He will establish in authority their deen, the once which He was chosen for them, and that He will change their state, after the fear in which they lived to one of security and peace. They will worship Me only and not associate anything with Me. If any do reject Imaan after this, they are rebellious and wicked.” (Quran An Nuh 24:55)

In our time, a period of bounties and assassination, the leader of jihad was killed. Has the jihad ended? Has its pulse stopped? Has support for resistance and fighting died between the Muslims? Wa Allah, no, because the blood of this wonderful group has increased its persistence in jihad and added a sense of urgency. Do the enemies of Allah not know their battle is not against a person or an individual, no matter his importance or status? The battle of today, led by the enemies of the nations of crusaders and the collaborators who help them, is the clash of the Ummah of billions from one ocean to the other ocean. A huge Ummah with Muslims and elite who are aware and brave. Do Allah’s enemies not watch this? The elongated war only increase our patience and the costs we pay only increase our resolve. So go ahead and extend the war if you want because we are the people of war, we were born in it and we will die in it. To the sponsor of disbelief America, Allah has saved the worst for you. He will ruin your lives and give you the bad taste of war and defeat until you stop supporting the occupying Jews in Palestine, leave the Muslims’s countries, and stop your support for the murtad rulers. This is a war you will not last in, as it will come for your economy and destroy it. It will come after your interests and destroy them with Allah’s support and strength.

Our final prayer is to praise Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.

Al Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula

Sunday 27 Sha’ban 1436 H

14 June 2015 M

Oh Aqsa, we are coming!

Link 

“Yemen al-Qaeda chief al-Wuhayshi killed in US strike”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-33143259

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Ehsanullah Ehsan spokesperson for TTP JA urges “jihad” against Myanmar’s rulers (image, TTP JA)

Ehsanullah Ehsan, spokesperson for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Taliban Jamaat -ul-Ahrar (TTP JA) has released a new audio message calling on Muslims to rise up and fight the rulers of Myanmar for their treatment of Rohingya. He stated, “I address Burma’s youth: take up the sword and kill in the path of God. No doubt, God is with us.” According to Express Tribune, Ehsan emphasised that “Jihad” (Holy War) was required to make the country’s leaders take notice as “protest demonstrations, processions, marches, condemnation resolutions” were having little effect.

The minority 1.1 million Rohingya are not recognized as citizens in a majority Buddhist country which has rendered them stateless. They have faced persecution for decades with around 120,000 taking to the sea according to the UN, fleeing for their lives at the mercy of people traffickers. Many have been washed ashore on Asia’s beaches with some countries refusing to assist those that do manage to survive. Abuse of Rohingya continues in camps for the displaced where there have been accounts of rape in “host” countries such as Thailand and Bangladesh.

The TTP JA statement follows on from a recent press release by the Islamic Emirate that “condemns the ongoing brutalities and barbarism against the Muslims of Rohingya.” The Afghan Taliban stated it asks,

“the United Nations, Islamic Conference, regional countries, women, children and all human right organizations to break their silence regarding the humanitarian crises in Burma and to apply pressure on the Burmese government to immediately halt the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingyan Muslims and bring the criminals to justice”

See following link,

“Afghanistan: Statement of Islamic Emirate regarding the ongoing crises in Burma”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/06/08/afghanistan-statement-of-islamic-emirate-regarding-the-ongoing-human-crises-in-burma/

Image released with audio statement from TTP JA

TTP JA said it “shares the grief” of the Rohingya and goes a step further by offering “our (training) centres, our resources, training, people, everything is available to provide comfort to you.”

DAWN media reports that the Pakistan government recently announced a “$5 million grant in the form of food to be channelled through the World Food Program for distribution in Rohingya camps in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.” Ironically, Pakistan is reliant itself on US aid to assist Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and rebuild North Waziristan devastated by military operation, Zarb-e-Asb launched to clear the area of Taliban and other militant groups. There are estimated to be around one million registered IDPs living in camps and rented houses in Bannu district alone. The irony was not missed by social media activists and sparked off several comments under the Twitter hashtag “We Have Our Own Rohingya”.

The Taliban may not be the only militant group with a watchful eye on the Rohingya. Rohan Gunaratna, head of the Singapore International Center for Political Violence and Terrorism told Newsweek,

“Isis recruiters have developed a deep understanding of how to radicalize and militarize alienated Muslims.”

“IS is building capacity to reach out to Muslim communities and recruit entire families, offering sanctuary to those with nowhere else to go. Whereas once, recruitment to Isis was intended mainly for individuals, it is increasingly whole families that are being lured out to become part of building the Islamic State.”

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Say no to domestic abuse…

(Photograph: Robert Essel NYC/Robert Essel NYC/Corbis)

An open letter

I know you love him, he’s your soul mate, your best friend, you would die for him (that may well happen)
Every inch of your life revolves around him..
If he says jump you jump, what he thinks you think..

But I know he beats you, I know he controls every aspect of your being
It’s not love when he controls you, it’s not love because he’s jealous of every move you make

You hide it well but I have seen the signs, the bruises caused by a cupboard door a child playing, your own stupid clumsiness???

The way you defend him, every other sentence containing verse that has come straight out of his mouth.
How he has brain washed you into believing everything he says is gospel, he is your king, your protector , your all. You wouldn’t last a day without him (joke is he couldn’t survive a day without you). He is your provider (even though it’s you that works most hours, takes care of the children)

He beats you because it’s your fault, the tea was cold, a man smiled at you, you dared to answer him back?
Yes woman you should know better!!

You pretend to others that you are in control, the gob, the woman that nobody would mess with.
It’s a front and we all know it.. Except you of course..

Your friends wouldn’t dare bring it up as you would defend this scum to the ends of the earth, you would cut them out of your life for even daring to try and make you see this isn’t right..

You’re not happy, you pretend you are. Controlled by a society that tells us we must bow down to the master, that children need two parents that are together to grow up as healthy grounded children..

Well hear this. You may not want to break this cycle that you live in (cause if you stay long enough he’ll change). You may not want to think that you in some way have failed because you let go of a toxic relationship but consider this..

While this is your choice, your child/children have no choice.
They watch as their mother is abused, called whore, slut, slag
They watch as their father/stepfather beats their mother with no mercy
They watch as their mother breaks down in tears and sobs her heart out
They watch as they witness their mother wipe the blood off of her body
One day they may watch their mother being taken out into a hearse…

They’re biggest fear is that their father will kill their mother
They sobbed silently at night afraid of what the morning will bring
They become angry and isolated because they know they cannot protect you, they cannot save you

They wonder why you stay, why you would put yourself and them through this daily ritual of walking on eggs shells..

It is not my business to tell you to leave your abusive husband as I know you won’t until you acknowledge the truth..

I’m here to let you know that you are abusing your children
You can only but imagine the damage that you are causing their young minds
Yes, you may be a good mother in all other aspects, you may protect them from him
Stand in front of them when he lashes out..
But that won’t stop the damage you do to them….

Yours sincerely

Diane M (survivor of domestic abuse, former codependent)

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Rohingya, like those shown here arriving in Thailand earlier this year, are denied citizenship in Burma. Photograph: Yongyot Pruksarak/ EPA

Statement of Islamic Emirate regarding the ongoing human crises in Burma

Latest reports suggest that savagery by the sectarian Buddhists in Burma against the Muslims of Rohingya is still ongoing. Women, children and the elderly are killed with machetes, swords, sticks and various other objects before being set on fire. This entire ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya Muslims is being carried out right under the noses of the Burmese government.

The people who have been exiled or forced to flee from their homes, ships packed with women and children are wondering in seas, travelling back and forth to the shores of regional countries however they have found no humanitarian sympathy where shelter is provided to these oppressed, sick and hungry human beings.

It is very regrettable that no reaction has been shown towards this continuous savagery in Burma by the United Nations, Islamic Conference, Humanitarian Societies and Women and Children Rights organization.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan strongly condemns the ongoing brutalities and barbarism against the Muslims of Rohingya and asks the United Nations, Islamic Conference, regional countries, women, children and all human right organizations to break their silence regarding the humanitarian crises in Burma and to apply pressure on the Burmese government to immediately halt the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingyan Muslims and bring the criminals to justice.

Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

18/08/1436 Hijri Lunar

15/03/1394 Hijri Solar                    05/06/2015 Gregorian

End

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Imam Ibrahim Rahim admits inaccuracy in Facebook post (image Facebook)

Imam Ibrahim Rahim, the brother of Usaama Rahim shot dead by police in Boston during a surveillance operation released a statement requesting social media followers to delete an earlier post due to an “inaccuracy” on his part.

Police had been monitoring Usaama in relation to an alleged threat to behead “boys in blue” though he had never been questioned and no evidence was produced of any conviction for a terrorist offence. The post related to the circumstances in which Usaama was killed. Police were praised for their quick response in showing a video of the incident. Officers and community leaders stated Usaama was not shot in the back as had been initially claimed by Imam Ibrahim but in the front after he lunged at police with a knife. Boston police commissioner William Evans stated in a video interview recorded by the Guardian that 4 0r 5 officers “backtracked” as Usaama came towards them saying, “its at some point when the suspect gets close enough to cause imminent harm to the the officer that the officer discharged his weapon, both the FBI in Boston both discharged, the individual was hit 3 times and he passed away.”

Imam Rahim stated,

“I kindly ask all who shared my original post bearing this prayer-symbol in a show of solidarity with this ministry regarding the reporting of the (fatal incident), to (un-share) and (delete) that initial post as I myself have done on all of my social media venues due to an inaccuracy on my behalf.

I continue to thank you for your prayers and well wishes. Lastly, please know that the entire Nation remains in my prayers and thoughts

God Bless us all.

Imam Adullah Faaruuq sorry for earlier words (Image WCVB)

Aunt of Usaama Rahim said at press conference she thought her nephew Usaama (above) “felt threatened” when police approached him, given the “slaughter of black men going on right now across the nation.” (Boston Globe) 

US media CNN has now confirmed that there was a phone call between Usaama Rahim who was shot dead by Boston police and his father as alleged by his brother Imam Ibraham Rahim in a Facebook post though the exact timing has not been stated and that is where accounts differ. It was the content of this conversation that allegedly alerted officers to move in fearing a possible risk to public safety. Usaama was suspected of being implicated in a terrorism plot to behead police and was under surveillance though he was never questioned by police and there is no evidence that he was ever convicted of any terrorism offence. CNN stated on video,

“CNN has learnt that shortly before Usaama Rahim allegedly pulled a knife on police officers Tuesday morning he made a phone call to his father to say his goodbyes. The call overheard by investigators who had been monitoring his e-mail and phone activity putting Rahim seen here in a high school photo under round the clock surveillance about 10 days ago” 

See link for full video report

“Usaamah Rahim’s Boston terror plot: How deep does his network run?”

http://edition.cnn.com/2015/06/04/us/boston-police-shooting/index.html

Imam Rahim had alleged the following regarding his brother soon after the shooting,

“he was on his cell phone with my dear father during the confrontation needing a witness. His last words to my father who heard the shots were:

I can’t breathe!”

So the question remains, what time did the call take place and what was the exact content of the conversation?

Members of the community in Boston were invited to watch surveillance video of the shooting. According to NBC, “Darnell Williams, head of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, stated after viewing “what the video does reveal to us very clearly is that the individual was not on the cell phone, the individual was not shot in the back and that the information reported by others that that was the case was inaccurate”.

Iman Rahim had earlier alleged that his brother was shot 3 times in the back. Another video viewer Imam Abdullah Faaruuq was reported by AOL as saying,

“I don’t think that he was shot in the back…However we couldn’t see clearly at all… We can’t say what happened. We weren’t there. We do see a very vague video that is not clear as to what transpired. It wasn’t at a bus stop. He wasn’t shot in the back and there is not detail enough on the video to tell us exactly what happened”.

Ronald S. Sullivan Jr, a Harvard Law School professor, appointed as lawyer for the family of Usaama Rahim spoke at a press conference and the Boston Globe reported that,

“Sullivan said at the news conference that Ibrahim Rahim regretted a post he made on Facebook shortly after the shooting on Tuesday that said Usaama Rahim had been shot in the back. Authorities have said that the surveillance video shows that Rahim was shot from the front, and community leaders and clergy who reviewed the video Wednesday acknowledged that is what it shows.

Sullivan said the older brother had received information from ‘a third party’ and made the posting. ‘These were the responses of a man whose youngest brother was just killed,’ he said.

He said the family was grieving the loss of Rahim and seeking answers.”

See link for full story, 

“Rahim family lawyer calls for ‘transparent investigation’”

https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/06/04/family-members-usaama-rahim-speak-out-thursday/OvKr7MYAOAsNyJvRu5DbaL/story.html#

Sullivan family are calling for a “complete and transparent investigation” and added, “what the family wants to do is enter into a joint relationship with investigators to get to the truth,”

The Boston Globe also reported the content of a note addressed to “brother” which was left for Usaama at the scene of the shooting on a blue pillow, it read, “these are the people that are suppose to ‘help us’. They do nothing but HURT US!”…….“They go to other parts of the world and start war then want us to teach our kids that the other people are the enemy.”

Links

“Boston police shooting: Case update, “terrorism” and the vitriol of Islamaphobia in US society”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/06/04/boston-police-shooting-case-update-terrorism-and-the-vitriol-of-islamaphobia-in-us-society/

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.

Aftermath of Boston police shooting of Usaama Rahim (Associated Press)

On June 2nd 2015, I decided to write on the reported shooting of Usaama Rahim, a young Muslim man by police in Boston, Massachusetts, US, which was just breaking on social media. In checking out initial statements, I came across a Facebook comment posted by Imam Ibrahim Rahim regarding the death of his younger brother which gave a conflicting account of events to that of the police. (I use the first name Usaama to distinguish him from his brother.) A police spokesperson informed media that Usaama had been under surveillance and US terrorism investigators had opened fire when the suspect had allegedly refused to put down a military-style knife and had lunged at police with the knife. There was no evidence presented that Usaama had ever been convicted of a terrorist offence, the surveillance was part of an ongoing investigation.

Imam Rahim alleged the following regarding the death of his brother,

“this morning while at the bus stop in Boston, my youngest brother Usaama Rahim was waiting for the bus to go to his job. He was confronted by three Boston Police officers and subsequently shot in the back three times. He was on his cell phone with my dear father during the confrontation needing a witness. His last words to my father who heard the shots were:

I can’t breathe!”

See link below for full story,

“Boston: Imam’s Facebook page alleges his brother Usaama Rahim was shot in the back 3 times by police on way to work.”

https://activist1.wordpress.com/2015/06/02/boston-imams-facebook-post-alleges-his-brother-usaama-rahim-was-shot-in-back-3-times-by-police-on-way-to-work/

From the start I made it clear within the title of the article that this was “alleged” not proven but given a number of controversial cases in recent times where civilians have been shot dead by US police, I thought the allegations worth documenting with further investigation in mind. The article was written soon after the incident so facts were only just emerging and the picture of events needed to be fully established hopefully with an independent inquiry. I reported both police comments and Imam Rahim’s words as well as friends of the family that left a response. The word “alleged” is used commonly in reporting and encouraged by legal representatives at media outlets. Police themselves have allowed “suspects” to participate in press conferences detailing their allegations though later they have been proven to be false. A well- known example is the Michael “Mick” Philpott arson case in the UK, Philpott who was later charged with criminal offences related to the deaths of his family members.

I gave no opinion myself and was keeping an open mind as to the facts and waiting for more evidence to come to light. I did not however anticipate the level of vitriol and blatant Islamophobia which appeared on my blog in response to the article,

Here are a selection of comments left by a number of individuals that have mostly hidden their faces:

“the cockksucker got what he deserved i hope he rots in pigs blood”

“eat shit”

“YOU PEOPLE all need to leave or be shot as well! To lie about the event is the same as trying to incite a race war. I truly believe that is what some of you want. Then bring it on and lets get this over. Go back to where you belong and if you have changed then go to land of the crazy guy allah and stay there.”

“Thank you Boston Police for eliminating this vile, TERRORIST FILTH. Praise Allah! Enjoy your 72 goats…”

“Lying sacks of shit. Terrorist boy got what he deserved. More to come.”

“I’m just glad he has been shot and killed. Everyone who wants Sharia law to be the law of the land in the United States of American should either leave or do something that will give someone else the legal right to kill them, be it death-by-cop or try to attack someone like myself who is always armed.”

“Let’s see the video shall we! Or should we just believe this pig iman liar. We will not be intimidated by liars please leave this country your lies expose you for what u r! I can’t breath bullshit.”

“I hope he’s buried covered in bacon. Good riddance to that sack of shit.”

“Also, the brother’s a fucking liar. Hope someone covers his house in ham.”

More information has now come to light. However as journalist Glenn Greenwald pointed out, in the hours immediately after the killing most US media appeared to accept whatever was stated by authorities without question. This was despite some US police being heavily criticised for their handing of recent cases where suspects were killed during approach by law enforcement officers.

Police officials and others in Boston prepared to view a video that reportedly showed Usaamah Abdullah Rahim menacing law enforcement officials. CreditPool photo by David L. Ryan

In the Boston shooting case, we now know the police took a positive decision to allow clergy and members of the Muslim community to view footage of the incident though it is not being shown to the wider community. CCN confirmed, “in a statement, the Islamic Society of Boston said police have invited Muslim leaders Wednesday to watch surveillance video of the shooting.” As the police told media there was a range of reactions. NBC reported, “Darnell Williams, head of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, said the video “150 percent” corroborates the police account.” Williams further stated, “what the video does reveal to us very clearly is that the individual was not on the cell phone, the individual was not shot in the back and that the information reported by others that that was the case was inaccurate”.

AOL provided the following account,

“Boston Police Commissioner William Evans said officers confronted the suspect because ‘military and law enforcement lives were at threat.’

The video, which police did not make available publicly, shows that Rahim menaced the officers with a large military-style knife and that they initially backed away before shooting him when he refused to drop it, police said.

Williams said he’s not ready to call the shooting justifiable, and a Boston Muslim leader, Imam Abdullah Faaruuq, said it wasn’t clear from the ‘inconclusive” video whether police had to use deadly force.

“They might have approached him in a different way,’ Faaruuq said.”

Faaruuq was also reported as saying,

“I don’t think that he was shot in the back…However we couldn’t see clearly at all… We can’t say what happened. We weren’t there. We do see a very vague video that is not clear as to what transpired. It wasn’t at a bus stop. He wasn’t shot in the back and there is not detail enough on the video to tell us exactly what happened”.

Allegations concerning Usaama Rahim

The following allegations have been reported against Usaama Rahim and recorded in various US media,

…that he was involved in a terrorist plot to behead “boys in blue” (police), he may also have considered targeting Pamela Gellar an American political activist according to CNN “sources” whose comments have allegedly been described by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) as un-Islamic.

…that Usaama was under surveillance by the FBI, phone calls of conversations were recorded and packages delivered to Rahim’s address were x-rayed before delivery. This revealed knives and sharpening tools which came from Amazon.

Arrest of associate of Usaama Rahil

David Wright from Everett, Massachusetts an associate of Usaama Rahim was arrested in relation to charges of conspiring to destroy evidence, (a smartphone belonging to Usaama) “with intent to impede, obstruct, or influence an investigation.” According to a report in the Daily Beast, “the complaint alleges that Wright confirmed Rahim’s intent to engage in a violent attack during an interview Tuesday.”

Another unnamed person is mentioned related to the inquiry.

Imam Rahim comments

The allegations stated by Imam Rahim, Usaama’s brother needs further investigation. How did he come to make a statement that varied so much from the official police account? What would phone records show? I have sent questions inviting him to comment further on this. The last statement read, “we are deeply grieved by the loss of my younger brother. While we understand the need for information. We ask that the press give us time to grieve. We will have a statement once we have met as a family.”

US hypocrisy

Protest in Yemen where US has killed many civilians in drone strikes on “alleged terrorist suspects” yet does not use armed drones on suspects on US soil (image National Organization of Drone Victims, Yemen)

The case has in some ways revealed the hypocrisy of American society. The US government regularly launches drone strikes on “alleged terrorist suspects” in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Yemen, if authorities believe so much in the use of drones, why do they not use them on American soil? If Usaama had been under surveillance by the US in another country, it is likely innocent civilians would have been anhilated in the process of taking him out, yet there is no justice for these families. Drones are regarded by many as a weapon of war designed to eradicate Muslims… How many non-Muslim alleged terrorists have ever been killed by US drone strikes?

Boston Marathon bombing

The people of Boston are naturally very angry and distressed over the terrorist attack at the Boston marathon in 2013 in which three people were killed and more than 200 were injured, see link section. In terms of risk for American however, research has shown that people in the US are more at risk of being shot by a toddler accidently than being killed in a terrorist attack.

It is also worth remembering that what happened in Boston in one day happens every day is some parts of the world where the US and allies bomb civilian areas causing mass horrific injuries and mass casualties, I receive the images every day.

Boston double standards on terrorism

The city of Boston has displayed double standards on terrorism, as the saying goes, “one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter”. As the Spectator alleged in 2013 following the bombings,

“one of the first world statesmen to send a message of sympathy to Boston after last week’s outrage was Gerry Adams, president of Sinn Fein. ‘Just watching news of the explosion in Boston,’ he tweeted, ‘Sympathy with people of that fine city.’ Mr Adams has every reason to think fondly of Boston. Throughout the troubles, while he sat on the IRA war council, Boston was one of the major American centres which he (through Noraid) could rely on for support and funding. Bostonian money would have been used to help pay for the IRA attack on Margaret Thatcher’s democratically elected government in Brighton, the grotesque Birmingham pub bombings that left 21 dead, and of course the Lisburn van bombing of 15 June 1988. On that terrible occasion six off-duty British soldiers were killed by an IRA bomb just after they had completed a half-marathon for charity.”

I have my own opinions on the role of British military and police in Northern Ireland during the “Troubles” which is now once again in the media however my point is, it was considered acceptable by Bostonians to fund and support what was regarded as a terrorist organisation by the UK government. So its down to defining who is a terrorist? As RT reported in November 2014, “the United States is the “world’s leading terrorist state,” based on its deadly, CIA-run operations in the likes of Nicaragua and Cuba, according to new op-ed by historian and social philosopher Noam Chomsky.”

Radicalization

Usaama was allegedly radicalized according to police statements. Unfortunately the shooting of a suspect has denied society an opportunity to learn more about why individuals might have chosen this route. We must remember also despite being under surveillance for many months he was not arrested or charged though police confirmed they wished to question him. If he was considered such a risk for terrorism, why was he not arrested earlier, were the public at risk from Usaama?

Terrorism and Islamophobia in the US

The double standards regarding investigation of terrorism in the US are clearly evident. Usaama as an individual was under surveillance. There have been numerous accounts of CIA involved in alleged torture of detainees (just check out the torture report) but where are the investigations and convictions which have been called for by a number of human rights groups or is “state terrorism” an issue to be ignored?

Members of my own family and community were unlawfully killed as a result of “biological terrorism” linked to both the US and UK governments which was covered up by many state authorities for years. We were faced with corruption, lies, prejudice, intimidation and death threats as civilians. Families of victims only recently received an apology from the Prime Minister David Cameron but where were the public inquiries, the police investigations and there is still no justice?

Preparing to attend an anti-Islam rally outside a Phoenix mosque

America has become a society riddled with Islamophobia. We saw this recently with an -anti-Islam rally where copies of the Quran were burnt outside a Phoenix mosque and protesters were encouraged to draw the Prophet Muhammad PBUH (this is seen as highly offensive in Islam). Members of the Muslim community alleged they had received death threats. I wrote the following account of the cartoons on a social media site attached to the rally,

“a perusal of the FB page showed cartoon images likely to cause great offence to many Muslims. One entitled “Obama and Muhammad on a prayer rug” shows a naked President in a compromising position kneeling behind Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) who is on all fours wearing nothing but a pakol (Pashtun hat) both bodies are tatooed. Writing accompanying the image reads, “Islam is not a religion. Islam is a stone worshipping cult of hate and oppression.” Another cartoon is entitled the “vile” Prophet Muhammad and depicts the Prophet as a dinosaur carrying a walking stick with Islamic crescents on his ears and a sabre in his right hand with the words, “slay the Kafirs wherever you find them ALLAHU AKBAR.”

The Phoenix Centre and local faith organizations responded with a public message that “love is stronger than hate” and the mosque opened its doors to the local community in what was seen as a successful evening of inter-faith relations.

Stephen Pearce reports that Islamophobia is big business in the US and in a recent article explores who benefits from this, he writes,

“Islamophobia, the fear of Islam is on the rise in America. As a result, a minority group whose numbers are reported between 3-7 million in the United States, are constantly under the suspicious eyes of wary Americans. As a result, violence against Muslim-Americans has risen.”

See following link for full article, 

“Opinion/Editorial: The Business of Peddling Islamophobia, And Why It Matters”

Opinion/Editorial: The Business of Peddling Islamophobia, And Why It Matters

Islamophobia has become a self-fulfilling prophesy. The more it is displayed the more likely young Muslims are to feel stigmatized and on the margins of society and the more likely they are to seek out acceptance in groups inspired by Islamic State, Al Qaeda and others with an “extremist” agenda and become radicalized in the process. This increases the risk to the public.

The case for body cameras for police

About 20,000 devices will rolled out to the majority of Met Police officers by March 2016 (BBC)

The BBC  has recently reported that, “plans to equip all Met Police officers with cameras on their uniforms have been announced by the Mayor of London” following a trial period with cameras introduced “to boost transparency and speed up conviction”. The decision to trial cameras on police was taken following “criticism of the Met over the death of Mark Duggan, who was shot by armed officers in August 2011, sparking riots across England.”

As Boris Johnson, British politician and Mayor of London pointed out,

“this is exciting technology that will build trust, help the police do their jobs, and allow the public to hold officers more accountable.”

The Boston police shooting case where conflicting accounts have emerged is a good example of where police cameras would have been very useful if not already in use and provide footage from a police perspective of the shooting of Usaama Rahim thus hopefully increasing confidence in decisions made by armed officers. Boston Police Commissioner William Evans has however expressed doubts about the use of police cameras. Boston.com reports,

“according to Evans, Boston police have established a real bond with the community, ‘especially the minority community,’ and police body cameras could prevent people from approaching police.”

Perhaps however in light of the Usaama Rahim case and rampant Islamophobia in the US it is now time to reconsider and check out the study of body cameras in the Metropolitan police if this hasn’t already happened?

Links

“Boston Bombings” (CBSNews)

http://www.cbsnews.com/boston-bombings/

Carol Anne Grayson is an independent writer/researcher on global health/human rights/WOT and is Executive Producer of the Oscar nominated, Incident in New Baghdad.  She is a Registered Mental Nurse with a Masters in Gender Culture and Development. Carol was awarded the ESRC, Michael Young Prize for Research 2009, and the COTT ‘Action = Life’ Human Rights Award’ for “upholding truth and justice”. She is also a survivor of US “collateral damage”.