The leader of the Canadian Islamic Congress says he never heard an apology from the RCMP last August for arresting suspected Muslim terrorists during Ramadan –and he doesn’t want one.
“No matter what day of the year, if there’s a need for an arrest, there should be an arrest,” said Imam Dr. Zijad Delic.
RCMP community outreach officer Cpl. Wayne Russett reportedly went into high gear to make amends with the Muslim community after the Aug. 25 arrest of Hiva Alizadeh and Misbahuddin Ahmed in Ottawa’s west end.
Khurram Syed Sher was arrested in London. All three are charged with terrorism-related offences in a plot dubbed ‘Project Samosa’.
“Our country, our security. That’s what matters,” said Delic.
According to a participant at an Aug. 26 meeting, RCMP and Ottawa police officials apologized for arresting the men during the holy month of Ramadan.
Delic said Muslims never asked for an apology.
“We went there to find solutions and give our five cents,” he said.
If it happened, the apology is a display of friendly outreach, said Alia Hogben, executive director of the Canadian Council of Muslim Women.
“I don’t think it was needed,” she said. “There’s nothing in the month of fasting where these things (arrests) can’t happen.”
kelly.roche@sunmedia.ca
http://www.ottawasun.com/news/ottawa/2011/01/07/16800706.html
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