Tuesday 14 Oct, 2pm,

Strathclyde Police Headquarters, 173 Pitt Street, Glasgow G1

PROTEST - STOP THE HARASSMENT OF MUSLIMS AT GLASGOW AIRPORT!

In recent weeks, there have been growing complaints from members of Glasgow/Scotland's muslim community (incl. Scottish-born Pakistanis) about alleged harassment by Special Branch POLICE OFFICERS at Glasgow Airport. Muslim community members have been singled out for questioning for 'no apparent reason' other than being 'muslim' (or those befitting the current racist/stereotypical description).

Protest organised by Scottish Afghan Society and supported by Scotland Against Criminalising Communities www.sacc.org.uk

At Glasgow airport, individuals have been questioned for hours at a time and asked questions which bear no relation to immigration issues. Individuals have also complained that they are then 'asked' to go to the Special Branch Headquarters for further questioning where they are then asked the same questions repeatedly for 1,2 hours or more. In several cases, individuals were then 'asked' to drop into a local Police Station for further questioning, or if they prefer, a café or restaurant!
Some of these (ridiculous) questions include:

· Do you know where Osama Bin Laden is?
· Did you meet Al-Qaeda in Pakistan?
· Have you trained with the Taliban?
· Do you pray? Which Mosque do you go to?
· Are you a member of a terrorist group?
· Are you their operator in Scotland?

JOIN THE PROTEST!!
Organised by Scottish Afghan Society
Supported by SACC

'We are fed up with the discriminatory policies of Strathclyde Police (Special Branch). We cannot bear the psychological torture anymore. The authorities treat us like terrorists, as well as putting pressure on ordinary muslims to become local informants and spies, but we are not going to be intimidated and pressured.' M. Asif, President, Scottish Afghan Society

Please come along to support this important demo, even if you can only spare a short time
More information : Afghan community's protest at 'harassment' by police force hailed as role model, Sunday Herald 28 September http://www.sacc.org.uk/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=613&catid=45