Protestors call for full apology over UK terror raid

Demonstrators march through Forest Gate, east London. Picture / Reuters

LONDON - Up to 2,000 people joined a demonstration in east London today to protest over the June 2 Forest Gate anti-terrorism raid which resulted in an innocent man being shot.

The demonstrators, including one of the brothers arrested during the dawn raid, called for a full apology from the police and sought reassurances the Muslim community would not be wrongly targeted again.

"We want a clear, unqualified apology from the police," Muddassar Ahmad, one of the organisers, told BBC television.

Brothers Mohammed Abdul Kahar, 23, who was shot, and Abul Koyair, 20, were held in police custody for several days following the raid and then released without charge.

Last week Metropolitan Police assistant commissioner Andy Hayman apologised for any "hurt" that may have been caused, but said intelligence received meant there was no choice but to take action.

"On that basis we had no choice but to mount a robust operation which required a fast armed response," Hayman said in a statement.

"I am aware that in mounting this operation, we have caused disruption and inconvenience to many residents in Newham and more importantly those who reside at 46 and 48 Landsdowne Road. I apologise for the hurt that we may have caused."

Several of the protesters, including Koyair, wore Brazilian football shirts in reference to Jean Charles de Menezes, the Brazilian electrician fatally gunned down last July by police who mistook him for a suicide bomber.

De Menezes' killing on an underground train at Stockwell tube station is currently being investigated by the Independent Complaints Commission.

- REUTERS