Commotion outside Regent’s Park mosque after Jummah prayers on Good Friday

Last Friday while relaxing in the neighbourhood, l noticed a helicopter above Regents Park and thought very little of it thinking it must mean someone important was staying at the US ambassador’s home in the park. I later heard on the street that the EDL were there protesting outside the mosque and that the demo comprised not only of the EDL, but also Britain First, another extreme right group as well as Anjem Choudary’s mob all posturing against each other. Three groups of extremists descending onto Regents Park mosque on Good Friday during Jummah prayers is a cocktail for trouble, which is why I was surprised that the Met allowed this to go ahead.

My concern is that right wing extremists are seizing upon every opportunity to abuse and insult Muslims before, during & after their Friday prayers which is terribly disruptive, disrespectful and inflammatory.  This is the second time it has occurred so far this year. How many more times is this going to happen before someone is hurt? We should not lose sight of the fact that Friday prayers are the equivalent to Sunday prayers at a church. Would we allow such abuse of worshippers after Sunday service? No we wouldn’t, and rightly so.

The local council, mosque and the Metropolitan police have over the years dedicated a lot of time and resources in deterring extremist organisations like the Jihadists from demonstrating in front of the Regents Park mosque and it is right and proper that the same level of determination and resources are expended in deterring the extreme right from doing the same right now.