FEDERATION OF MUSLIM ORGANISATIONS' PRESS RELEASE: THURNBY LODGE

Here's the text of a press release issued by the Federation of Muslim Organisations today:

The Federation of Muslim organisations are extremely concerned by recent reports of protests that have been witnessed at a community hall in Thurnby Lodge following its use as a prayer facility by local Muslims. The issue has been such that there have been outside influence on the protests which have now grown to an alarming rate.

It appears that these demonstrations have received support from organisations outside our city. Our perception is that these outside forces simply wish to destabilise our harmonious communities.

The Federation are extremely concerned that these disagreements should not escalate and that we must maintain to keep the stability and harmony in our local community relations. It has urged the Mayor and other key community leaders to intervene and to try to alleviate the concerns that are currently felt by members of the local community in the immediate area.

It is the Federation's ultimate aim that we are not influenced by outside forces and that we maintain the harmony and good community relations that “One Leicester” has enjoyed for many years and that we should all continue in our efforts to live in peace and with understanding and respect.

Suleman Nagdi MBE DL

11 August 2012