Prince Charles meets hero imam and worshippers at Finsbury Park mosque

19/06/2017
Prince Charles visited the scene of the Finsbury Park terror attack on Wednesday, meeting worshippers and an imam who protected the suspect until police arrived.

The Prince of Wales chatted with Mohammed Mahmoud, who has been praised for his calming actions and words after the attack.

Joined by members of the public, the Prince was shown floral tributes that have been left at the scene.

He then went into the centre to meet members of the community and speak to religious leaders.
Speaking to faith leaders sitting in a circle, he said he felt joy at being with them "despite the very sad, unfortunate circumstances" and that he remembered with "great fondness" his visit there 30 years ago.

He said: "But I did particularly want to bring a message from the Queen on this particular occasion.

"She has specifically asked me to tell you how shocked she was by what happened, particularly as the victims were worshippers who had been attending Ramadan prayers - and her Majesty's thoughts and prayers are with you all.

"And if I may say so, I can only but join my particular thoughts and prayers to her Majesty's on this occasion, and to say that for many years I have taken a great interest in the Muslim community in this country."
Charles added that he was "deeply impressed" by the imam who shielded the suspect until police arrived and "his remarkable actions on that occasion".

"Thank goodness we have wonderful leaders," he added.

Before the meeting Charles also greeted Yassin Hersi, 45, who was injured in the attack.

"Are you sure you should be here?", he asked the man, who was on crutches and had his right leg in a cast.
He paused to read some of the hundreds of messages left by the public outside Finsbury Park Tube station.
One colourful poster, decorated with glitter hearts and flowers and signed with many names simply asked: "Where's the love?".

Another image showed cut out figures holding hands around a dove, symbolising peace, while white butterflies adorned the wall above the nearby bouquets.

And north London football team Arsenal sent a bouquet to mark the tragedy.

His visit came just two days after a van was driven at people outside the Muslim Welfare House in Seven Sisters Road.

Makram Ali, 51, who had collapsed just before the attack, was later pronounced dead, while another nine people were taken to hospital.

Four victims are still receiving treatment, with two people still critically ill.

Suspect Darren Osborne, 47, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and terrorism offences. He remains in custody.

Following the meeting, Charles met groups of faith leaders from the community and secondary school children from the nearby Skinners' Academy.

Asked by reporters how the Duke of Edinburgh, who has been admitted to hospital as a precaution following an infection, was feeling, he replied: "He's getting better."

The Skinners' Academy students recently won a national enterprise competition for work with the Prince's Trust and Mosaic, a mentoring initiative founded by the Prince 20 years ago.

Part of the Prince's Trust, it helps young people from deprived areas with a focus on Muslim communities.

MARK CHANDLER

Fonte:http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/prince-charles-meets-hero-imam-worshippers-at-finsbury-park-mosque-after-attack-on-muslims-a3570236.html

LEGGI GLI ALTRI BLOG

• < Prec
• Succ >