CAGE releases exclusive video interview with student accused of terrorism

<div class="field_article_img"><em>London</em> - CAGE today releases an exclusive interview with Mohammed Umar Farooq, the Master’s student in Terrorism, Crime and Global Security who was accused of terrorism at Staffordshire University. CAGE is also publishing the University’s letter of apology to him.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"></div> <div></div> <div>Farooq was singled out and questioned after he was seen reading a book entitled ‘<strong><a href="https://www.routledge.com/products/9780415455046">Terrorism Studies</a></strong>’. He was so affected by the incident that he discontinued the course, but felt <strong><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/sep/24/student-accused-being-terrorist-reading-book-terrorism">he should speak</a> </strong>out since this could happen to “any Muslim lad”.</div> <div></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tbaUxBjZmLo?rel=0" width="450" height="253" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <em>(To watch on YouTube click <strong><a href="https://youtu.be/tbaUxBjZmLo">here</a></strong>)</em></div> <div></div> <div>In the letter of apology from the University, an official describes PREVENT as a “very broad duty, devoid of detail”. Farooq’s case illustrates how vague PREVENT guidelines can lead to discrimination and racial profiling.</div> <div> <div></div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><em>The university's apology letters can be found <strong><a href="https://cage.ngo/wp-content/uploads/scan_1.jpg">here</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://cage.ngo/wp-content/uploads/scan2_1.jpg">here</a> </strong>and <strong><a href="https://cage.ngo/wp-content/uploads/scan2_2.jpg">here</a></strong>. </em></div> <div></div> <div> <div>This is not an isolated incident. CAGE has received almost <strong><a href="https://cage.ngo/?p=5781">100 similar cases</a> </strong>of over-reporting, some of which we have detailed in our latest report. The consequences for individuals are devastating and rip apart trust in civil society and those in positions of authority such as teachers, doctors and the police.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"></div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <em>(Screenshot from <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/Drjohnhorgan/status/647180742154395648">Twitter</a></strong>)</em></div> <div></div> <div><strong>CAGE communications officer Ibrahim Mohamoud </strong>said:</div> <div></div> <div>“Farooq’s case demonstrates how the government’s PREVENT strategy tramples on academic freedom and results in profiling.”</div> <div></div> <div>“Ambiguous definitions and a loose understanding of Islamic political causes means Muslims are being referred through PREVENT simply due to their religious or political views that pose no danger to society.”</div> <div></div> <div>“The government has placed over 300,000 public sector workers in a position which could<strong> <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/home-secretary-we-must-work-together-to-defeat-terrorism">feed mistrust</a> </strong>of public institutions and essential services. With only two hours of training deemed sufficient in spotting the signs of radicalisation, we are likely to see more over reporting and further criminalisation.”</div> <div></div> <div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <em>(Screenshot from <strong><a href="https://twitter.com/KurtBraddock/status/647211439095091201">Twitter</a></strong>)</em></div> <div></div> </div> <div> <strong>Press coverage of the case:</strong> <strong><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/education/2015/sep/24/student-accused-being-terrorist-reading-book-terrorism">The Guardian - Student accused of being a terrorist for reading book on terrorism</a></strong> </div> <div> <div><strong><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/11888298/University-student-questioned-for-reading-terrorism-book-in-library.html">The Telegraph - University student questioned for reading terrorism book in library</a></strong></div> <div><strong> </strong></div> <div> <div><strong><a href="http://www.vice.com/en_uk/read/this-counter-terrorism-student-was-accused-of-being-a-terrorist-for-reading-a-book-about-how-to-counter-terrorism-in-his-university-library">VICE - A Student Was Accused of Being a Terrorist for Reading a Book About How to Counter Terrorism</a></strong></div> <div><strong> </strong></div> <div><strong><a href="https://www.rt.com/uk/316426-terrorism-student-apology-university/">RT - Muslim student questioned after reading university course book on terrorism</a></strong></div> <div><strong> </strong></div> </div> </div>