Call for debate in British Parliament following the murder of Asad Shah

A Member of U.K Parliament has called for a debate in the British House Commons to discuss the rising persecution against the Ahmadiyya community in the UK, the call comes after an Ahmadi shopkeeper was killed in a “religiously prejudiced” attack in Glasgow last month.

Mr. Shah, 40, belonged to the minority Ahmadiyya sect of Islam which has faced persecution from other Muslim groups in countries like Pakistan and Indonesia.

Tanveer Ahmed, 32, from Bradford, is accused of killing Mr. Shah and in a very unusual move, Mr. Ahmad claimed responsibility for the murder and issued a statement saying he killed Mr. Shah because he “disrespected Islam”.

Now Mr. Shah’s local Member of Parliament Stewart McDonald is calling for a debate in the British Parliament to discuss the persecution faced by Mr. Shah’s Ahmadiyya community in the UK and around the world.

Stewart McDonald, SNP MP for Glasgow South

Stewart McDonald, SNP MP for Glasgow South, said:

“When the House rose for summer recess, that evening a local shopkeeper Asad Shah in my constituency was tragically killed.

“He was a much loved gentle and friendly man. He will be sorely missed by many in the south side of Glasgow

“He was also a member of the Ahmadiyya muslim community and the police have identified there is religious aggravation behind the killing.

“Can we have a debate on the persecution that the Ahmadiyya community face in this country and around the world and also discuss what the government is doing to tackle this cancerous form of sectarianism?”

In reply, Chris Grayling, Leader of the House said he was well aware of the religious community Mr Shah came from and he praised its work.

“I know the Ahmadiyya Muslim community well. I’ve met His Holiness and leading members of that community.

“I know the good work they do in our country, I know the positive role they try to play in our community. I know the way in which they want to bridge gaps between different communities in this country.

“The fact before his death he had published a message of goodwill to Christians is a sign of what a Valuable part of our community the Ahmadiyyas are.

“They are persecuted around the world we should always be willing to be their defenders.”

Another member of the UK Parliament Siobhain McDonagh has also spoken out against the brutal murder of Asad Shah. Siobhain who is the chair of All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has requested a meeting with the British Home Secretary to discuss the murder of Mr. Shah, and how to prevent violence against Ahmadi Muslims in the UK.