Islamic Human Rights Commission

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate Release
10.9.97

VIOLENT ATTACK ON MUSLIM CHARITY IN FRANCE
British Muslim groups fear for safety

Yesterday 9th September, before midday in the Paris offices of the Muslim charity Comité de Bienfaisance pour la Solidarité avec la Palestine (CBSP). CBSP are one of the four charities currently being targeted by the Israeli government.

One worker was in the office when, six men of European appearance, speaking French approached the offices. Two stayed outside whilst four entered the premises and sprayed the worker with CS Gas, before two brutally assaulted him. The other two assailants sprayed graffiti on the walls including several Stars of David with the initials GSC written below. GSC are known in the Middle East as the ‘Zionist Action Group,’ and have claimed responsibility for the attack. They are equated with the Jewish Defence League, who are active in the UK and USA. The GSC have been becoming more active in Europe.

British Muslim organisations are concerned that they are even more vulnerable to attack. A few weeks ago, some Muslim organisations were warned by New Scotland Yard to expect such attacks. When one of the charities contacted wrote to the Home Secretary, Jack Straw requesting to discuss security they were refused a meeting.

In the light of this latest incident, IHRC asks whether the British government will now provide security for Muslims organisations and charities, as it already does to its Jewish counterparts.

For more information, please call the Press Officer on 0181 931 1919
0958 60 74 75 or 0958 522 196