|
Assembly
for the
Protection of
Hijab
124 Harrowdene Rd, London HA0 2JF
Tel: 0044 (0) 208 908 9109
Fax: 0044 (0) 208 908 9108
www.prohijab.net
E-mail:
info@prohijab.net
09 July 2004
Urgent Press Release
The organisers of the Assembly for the Protection of Hijab
(“Pro-Hijab”) object strongly to being used as scapegoats by Home
office Minister Fiona MacTaggart on an interview with Newsnight on
Wednesday July 7th 2004.
Ms MacTaggart claimed that she had been misled by the Protect-Hijab
organisers of the 12th July conference on the Hijab, to be
hosted by Mayor of London Ken Livingstone. Protect-Hijab openly intended
to invite the eminent Sheikh Yusuf Qaradawi as a guest of honour at
the conference and never kept this a secret.
Protect-Hijab included Ms MacTaggart on the conference poster to reflect
the British Government’s support for freedom of religion and because
Ms MacTaggart promised to support the conference with a recorded
message. This is usual policy for all speakers supporting conferences
whether in person or otherwise. Protect-Hijab at no time intended to be
misleading in this act and amended the reference to Ms MacTaggart
within half an hour of receiving the request from the Home Office on
Tuesday 6th July 2004.
“It is very disappointing that a government minister not only gives
into extreme right-wing pressure, but attempts to clear her name by
undermining Protect-Hijab, a campaign consisting of dozens of hardworking
volunteers who have spent weeks planning this conference” said Abeer
Pharaon, Coordinator of Protect-Hijab.
Protect-Hijab is now keen to ensure the message of the conference is not
lost amid this public unrest. Everyone present at the conference,
including the Sheikh, shall be discussing the issue of the Hijab ban,
religious freedom and future plan of action. This aim will not be
detracted from. The Protect-Hijab team requests that this is respected by
all.
The conference is due to go ahead on Monday 12th July from
10am – 6pm. Attendance only by Registration. Visit
www.prohijab.net to register.
ENDS
For interviews and more information
please contact our
media department on
07786257120
or 07947787222
or write to
info@prohijab.net
|
