Top Muslim human rights lawyer receives death threats for speaking out against extremism
A leading Muslim human rights lawyer has received death threats after he called for unity among members of his own faith.
Police are now investigating after Aamer Anwar, from Glasgow, received death threats from fanatics.
The threats came after he chaired an event in which Muslims from the Ahmadi and Sunni communities and Pakistani Christians shared a platform, and at which there were calls for unity and strong condemations of extremism and violence.
Scotland has recently been shocked by the killing of Glasgow shopkeeper Asad Shah, 40, from the Ahmadi community, which is widely perceived as more liberal than traditionalist groupings. There has also been controversy over allegations of extremist links at Glasgow Central Mosque.
After the report of the death threats appeared in The Sunday Herald, Anwar said he was overwhelmed by the support he received. He tweeted:
I am deeply moved by kind words of support,means a lot & sum words hav even brought laughter! @newsundayherald pic.twitter.com/2tNPJGBPfn
— Aamer Anwar (@AamerAnwar) April 3, 2016
Anwar told the Herald: "Having been a campaigner for human rights for over 25 years, I have grown used to the bile and hatred directed at me, sadly that is par for the course.
"On occasion when I have had my life seriously threatened, I have informed the police but have always chosen to keep it private.
"On this occasion I could no longer remain silent, because of a small minority who believe they can silence me by creating a climate of fear."
He said he had received abuse and hatred on social media, by text and had been trolled by midnight telephone calls. He has been accused of being a "kuffar" or non-Muslim.
"I hold these people directly responsible for creating an atmosphere which has given some the confidence to make threats to my life," he said. "It is a terrifying and deeply lonely place to be when you say goodbye to your children and wonder if it is for the last time, but the death of Asad Shah should be a wake-up call to our community that we must not be silenced."
Police have confirmed that they are investigating the threats.
Anwar, who has taken a number of high-profile cases, has also been active in the Stop the War Coalition and has campaigned for the closure of the Dungavel Immigration Removal Centre in South Lanarkshire, Scotland.
