TERRORISM
JANUARY 3, 2010
BY EUGENE OMILO
Muslim leaders and human rights activists in Mombasa want the police to release a renowned Jamaican preacher arrested on Thursday evening by Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) officers.
The Preacher, Sheikh Abdala Ibrahim Feisal was arrested after attending prayers at the Masjid Mawal Abrari mosque in Likoni for what the ATPU officers described as failing to comply with immigration procedures.
The sheikh who was known as William Trevor Forest before he converted into Islam has been travelling around many African countries to preach in mosques.
Leaders from the Council of Imams and preachers of Kenya (CIPK) led by nominated M.P. Sheikh Mohammed Dor and secretary general Sheikh Mohammed Khalifa said the preacher’s rights have been violated.
Speaking at the port police station after visiting the preacher, sheikh Dor said Sheikh Feisal’s arrest was unfair as the reasons given for his arrest are not true since his travel documents show he has never visited Kenya before.
Feisal’s lawyer Yusuf Abubakar said it is wrong to put Sheikh Feisal in custody as he is still innocent until proved guilty by a court of law.
“His arrest also violates Muslims’ freedom of worship as Sheikh Feisal was in the country to preach to them,” said Abubakar.
Human rights officer Francis Auma who works with Muslims for Human Rights said the rule of law should be applied equally even to non citizens.
“If he has done anything wrong then he should be taken to court like other suspects but if he hasn’t then he should be released,” said Auma.
Sheikh Mohammed Khalifa wondered why it is only Muslim preachers who are targeted.
“Kenya receives many foreign preachers but we have never heard of any Christian preacher being questioned by the ATPU officers,” complained Sheikh Khalifa.
He said the police should respect the muslim faith and instead focus on arresting criminals.
ENDS.
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