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Marwa el-Sherbini: Egypt’s ‘headscarf martyr’
The pregnant woman murdered in a German court last week by an accused racist has become a symbol of how Europe treats its Muslim citizens
A pregnant woman, Marwa el-Sherbini, 32, stood in a Dresden courtroom last Thursday, testifying against a man charged with racially insulting her. Then the defendant leapt across the courtroom, and stabbed her with a knife, no fewer than 18 times. As her husband, Eliv Ali Okaz, ran to her aid, he was shot by police who mistook him for the attacker. Now Okaz lies in a critical condition in intensive care at a Dresden hospital. Mustafa, their three-year-old son, witnessed the entire ordeal.
This hideous incident all started with a headscarf. Last August, in a local park, Sherbini, an Egyptian, who has lived in Germany with her young family since 2003, working as a pharmacist, got into an argument with 'Alex W', an unemployed stock controller from Russia. Their dispute concerned whose turn it was - his niece or her three-year-old son Mustafa - to have a go on the swings at the playground there. The Russian then called her a "terrorist" and an "Islamist whore", for wearing a hijab.
Alex W was initially fined 780 euros for the incident, but after he told Sherbini, "You don't have the right to live here" at the first trial, the prosecutor sought to get a harsher sentence for his xenophobic tirade.
Despite the dramatic nature of this anti-Islamic attack, this case has received very little attention in the western press and has provoked Egypt and the rest of the Muslim world to strongly condemn Germany's "muted" response to the incident. There, much of the debate has centred on the technical details of courtroom security.
The attack comes only weeks after President Sarkozy publicly condemned the burka as a "sign of subservience" and encouraged parliamentary discussions to ban Muslim residents in France from wearing them in public.
France has Europe's largest number of Muslims, approximately five million people. But the Muslim population in Germany, many of them the Turkish workers who came in the 1960s and their children, is now close to four million - much greater than originally estimated. According to German law, four out of 16 of the country's states currently have the right to ban teachers and governmental employees from wearing Muslim headscarves in the workplace. Understandably, the attack on Sherbini and these increasing restrictions on Muslims in France and Germany have only further convinced the Muslim community of the tide of western and European intolerance waged against them.
Only a week before the attack, the UN Special Rapporteur for racism, Githu Muigai, had visited the country, and stressed that Germany "needs to turn its attention to the problems of daily racism and discrimination".
Muigau is not a lone voice. In the run up to the 2006 World Cup, Uwe-Karsten Heye, a former government spokesperson, was quoted by Der Spiegel saying that there were parts of Germany where he "would advise a visitor of another skin colour to avoid going to." In the radio interview with Deutschlandradio Kultur, Heye went on to add that, in such areas, there was the possibility that dark-skinned people "wouldn't get out alive."
Now this racism has been tragically highlighted by Sherbini's murder. Dubbed the "headscarf martyr" by the Egyptian press, Sherbini, who played handball for the Egyptian national team, has become a symbol of how Europe treats Muslims. When she was buried in her native Alexandria, leading politicians joined thousands of mourners, many of whom chanted "Germans are the enemies of God."
Since then, there have been discussions about naming a road after Sherbini, and calls to picket the German embassy. And the organisation of Egyptian pharmacists have proposed a week’s boycott of German medicine. ·
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Legere: I read more widely than you clearly, just not drivel from fantasists.
Your excuse for halal butchery is nonsense, and sick; '...then bleeding out (all the while being treated with respect)' oh how respectful is that. Perhaps you'd like to be respected in that way? The British Government accepts that only pre-stunning is acceptably humane, it just doesn't have the balls to say no to Muslims, 'because it's their religion'. Stunning in all British slaughterhouses is required before killing. Animals are not required to be bled, since it has no purpose. Anyone who thinks all the blood is removed from the corpse is delusional, but then that's to be expected from delusionals who think there is a god who loves them, but not all the other species they casually slash the throats of. I don't eat meat, and agree any method of slaughter is likely to be brutal and unpleasant. But the minimum animal welfare requirements required by law are ignored by Muslims and Jews, who think they are special.
Interesting scientific facts! Hah. QUOTE: The sun circles the Earth because it is smaller than the Earth, as is evident in Koranic verses... No verse in the Koran indicates that the Earth is round or that it rotates. Anything that has no indication in the Koran is false. Fadhel Al-Sa'd.
A very sad story. Thanks to the first post for running this story, I'm sure you would never find it in most "mainstream" media outlets
To P. Simmons, apparently you don't read much, or only choose to read what you agree with (see first line of your last post)
First of all, the Abrahamic method of slaughter has been proven by western science to be the most humane way to kill an animal. Contrast a cut with a sharp knife then bleeding out (all the while beingtreated with respect) with being herded into an industrial slaughter house where a metal bolt, bullet (usually .22cal.) or hammer is used to subdue the animal before an iron hook is forced through the nasal septum, the animal only then has it's throat slit, which finally puts an end to it's (often) miserable existance.
Also, you should know that Islam teaches it's followers not to simply accept something as fact. The Qur'an constantly reminds the reader to think deeply and to study the world around them. It also contains some very interesting scientific facts, which could not have been known to anyone in 7th century arabia or anywhere else at that time.
You have some good points, unfortunately they are lost behind a general fog of ignorance and intolerance. Too bad for you
Can't be bothered to read through all that nonsense. There is no lord, Mohammed was a man, end of story. His writing was no more real than Harry Potter, but I don't expect the simple minded to be able to take that in. I do not blame the poor woman who was murdered, how many more times before you get that? She is a victim, first of her religion, then of her husband who forced her to wear this ludicrous and insulting garb, and of course the racist thug. Yes he should not have had a weapon, and no her husband shouldn't have been shot, but it was clearly an accident; one man stabs her, and another leaps over seats in her direction. In the heat of the moment, they made a mistake. No, I do not have to respect anyone's religious belifs any more than I respecxt idiots who believe in flying saucers or the Jewish World Government. There are many fantasists around, you are one of them. Religion is control, that's its only purpose. And women under Islam are controlled more than anyone. One frequently sees a Muslim family, the man is wearing T shirt, jeans and trainers, totally modern and wester, the wife is engulfed head to foot in balck, out of which she peers through a grill, looking like someone from the 8th century. If you don't see this as an abomination and think any woman in her rigth mind would choose to live like this - even on sweltering hot days - then you are not just a fantsist, but a self-decieving mysogenist. The uisual excuse given for the hijab and burqa is that women must be protected from the gaze of men. Why is this? Because muslim men can't be trusted not to become inflamed by sight of a face, some hair, a shoulder or a leg... Hardly surprising that the taliban, arguably the nastiest, hate-filled bunch of sick peasant deviants the human race has ever produced, are all in favour of this treatment of women, they used to patrol the streets of Afghanistan beating women with sticks - I've seen them on film so don't deny it. And while you're agonising over this woman's death, spare some of your 'concern' over those stoned to death in Saudi Arabia, a 'good' Muslim country, for a variety of offences including falling in love with someone her parents don't approve of. My response was to all the deranged posts castigating my opinion, it therefore had to be extensive to cover all the ludicrous attempts to put words into my mouth. I could say to you 'Only one who is as defensive as you, would go to such a lenghty response' since yours was longer than mine, and all you managed to say was a meandering speel about your 'lord'. Pakistan is muslim, those burning the churches are therefore muslim, I agree they are idiots, they are muslim idiots. There's a lot of it about. As far as I'm concerned, rational intelligent people are not religious, that's for the stupid, ignorant and uneducated, a simple 'faith' that needs no proof, just pointless ritualistic posturing to try to push into the background the FACT that we are just another species of animal, we evlved just like all other species, and when we die, that's it. Finish, end of ego, end of that insignificant simian life. There are plenty more, too many, and all cluttering up the planet like they are important. Pity the naked ape didn't make it to full intelligence in most cases. And yes I do object to kosher as much as halal, both sick animal abusing outrages perpetrated by menmbers of two of the sick Abramic religions, the other being christianity, which worships a man nailed to a cross. How sick is that?
Peter Simmons.... a true parable. Only one who is as defensive as you, would go to such a lenghty response in order to get oneself out of such a pit and be selective in such quotes. I have seen one or two of your other posts on this link and you really are a hater and may the Lord guide you correctly. Guidance is in the hands of the Lord.
What do you have against the Hijab ? Why is it so offensive to you in comparison to what a nun wears ? Is one more British/European than another or am I missing the point here? Both show a sign of piety, yet to you, the hijab/burkha appears to be a sign of worry. You perceive the hijab/burkha to be a sign of second class citizenship. Compare it to what a nun wears (both have a sign of respect in my eyes and shows a sign of someone who is god fearing, not one that is oppressed or does it because you think they have been forced to). It is just fact that the proportion of women adopting this is statistically higher and thisis what worries you. I guarantee you that if, in the UK/Europe, a poll was sent out to those that wear the hijab/burkha, you will find that it is out of choice. You need to understand the true purpose of why individuals wear what they do.
With regards to your despisement of Halal and sharia courts, remember that Halal butcheries and sharia courts are there to serve a specific section NOT to take over !!! Open your eyes and see the facts.
The jews have been living in the UK and Europe for years and they eat KOSHER, does that offend you as their methodology of slaughtering is the same? Yet they were oppressed by Germany by Hitler for being who they were, of a specific religion thta Hitler wanted to abolish. Would you also want thes jews to leave the UK/Europe too because the methd of slaughtering they do on animals is also barbaric to you? The jews are also people of the book and the concept of Kosher is the same as Halal. The UK is acountry where everyone has a right to practice their own religions and beliefs, which is why we are so diverse AND fortunate. Islam is a religion that is NOT restricted to those in the middle east, or from India or Pakistan, one that is lower or middle class, one with little earnings. It is for all of humanity, regardless of status or colour, it is a way of life. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was sent as a saviour to the "whole" of mankind, the final prophet, the seal of all the prophets. He was born amongst the Arabs, yet the Quraan and the Prophets teachings were spread across the 4 corners of the earth. You need to read true and unaltered Islamic History to find out why it has become one of the fastest growing religions in the world (and it was NOT by the sword). Go and get access to all the texts and do not stick to reading unauthentic books. Look at the history that is written on both sides and then form an opinion. I have MANY friends who have embraced Islam, and every one that I talk to, said that they have searched for the tuth all they life, they read the quraan and loked at the teachings, and nearly all said that they wanted to beleive in it, but there was no denying the truth they saw in it and they were guided into it through their own undertsanding. And these are people who are from different backgrounds, Lower, middle and upper class and all born in the UK, many of whom were from a strong Christian or Hindu background. Most of these friends were not exposed to the so called scenarios you describe, yet when you see them, they are a perfect example of a practising muslim, despite not being born into the faith.
Remember Peter that here is too much hatred already in this world, we have to live, accept and respect other peoples religious/cultural beliefs. What you mention in Pakistan about churches being bombed, this is NOT Islam, it is a bunch of idiots doing something stupid and then Islam beand the muslims being blamed for it. If you studied Islam you will find that other places of worship have to be respected. What you see here are idiots and it is only because you perceive it being done in Pakistan, that you have labelled all the muslims for this unjust act.
Peter, for some, belief is only shown within and for others, belief is also shown externally. This woman was killed because another hated her for what she wore. He was a victim of the media, who had instilled into him, over time, that all Muslims are terrorists. Who was the terroriser here ? Any sane police officer would have shot the defendant instantly, not wait for a mother to be stabbed multiple times in front of her child and then have her husband shot, who was the only one thta went to her aid. Why was this terroriser not checked for weapons? How did he get into a courtroom with a knife? You are missing the facts here.
Peter, you canot stoop to such a level where the murder of an innocent woman gives you the right to blame it on her and make this an excuse for you to attack her because of what she was....a muslim.
May the almighty give you guidance. Guidance is in the hands of the Lord and maybe one day you will see it.
I condone nothing of this case, and I was not commenting on it directly, sorry if you can't understand that. I saw no reason to condemn the brutal killing of an innocent woman by a racist inside a courtroom, who would applaud it? My comments were concerned with the wider picture, SHE WAS WEARING HIJAB. Keep that fact in your head while I try to explain in simple terms my position. 1) SAS. It is not a crime against a community, don't be silly. It was a crime against an individual. My comment contained no hint of racism, I was commenting on societal trends. Got it? 2) Shabir Patel. I don't despise muslims, I despise those muslims who come to the UK [and the rest of Europe] thinking they have the right, not only to live here, but to behave just how they like, make whatever demands they wish and are ever strident and aggressive about adapting to European ways, openly despising our liberal democracy. If you don't like how we live, go elsewhere where you are happy. That's not racist, just a statement of fact. Why would you wish to live in a country you clearly despise? I wouldn't. I agree wholeheartedly with your comments on the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, and have been opposed to both since before they happened. I write constantly about the illegality and appalling cost to the recipients of western aggression. They have nothing to do with this case, and are not some kind of justification for muslims to live here in the west. 3) Munadi Al Islam, quoting 15th century events is pointless, especially since Muslims were invading Europe way back then also, or is your history selective? Do you only know about the 'evil west's' invasions? What about Spain? As for your ludicrous claim that muslims taught me [I assume you mean my ancestors] to wash hands and bath, good grief, what kind of education taught you such nonsense? My Celt ancestors had a thriving civilisation in the IRON AGE which included intricate jewellery and a complex social system which included full rights for women who could own property and fight invaders. I'm certain they also washed. So please keep your nonsense to yourself. In muslim countries, one hand is reserved for wiping the arse, so what's this about washing hands???? 4) Ahmed Sabbah. I didn't defend what happened. Try reading my post again and understand what I did write rather than what you imagined I wrote. Contrary to your claim, you don't 'have the right to live where you want', another example of muslim arrogance. You are allowed to live somewhere by the people who already live there, or not. No rights involved, you ask nicely, you may be permitted. Got that? America isn't a multicultural society, it is American, and everyone is encouraged to become an American. In Europe it's different because the middle class thought it a good idea to keep immigrants in their own areas, while telling them that multiculturaism was the creed everyone supported; it isn't so. Multiculturalism is apartheid by another name, and is racist. It has encouraged immigrants to set up their own mini societies where they don't even have to learn or speak the native tongue, but can pretend they are still 'at home'. My argument all along has been that immigrants should integrate and take on the nationality of their host country. Integrate, intermarry, become British. Does that sound racist to you? I am FOR diversity, I am for interracial mixing, and the UK, if you knew anything at all about our history, has welcomed foreigners over countless centuries; it's what made Britain somewhere which a lot of people wanted to move to. I do object strongly to sharia courts; we have a well developed judicial system already which took centuries to perfect, either adhere to it or live elsewhere. I object to halal butchery practices; we have animal welfare legislation in the UK which was hard fought for, halal is a degraded, backward, vile abuse of animals, yet it is allowed because 'we mustn't upset the muslims'. This I deplore and oppose, animals are suffering as a result and that I care about. I am not xenophobic, I have traveled widely and always had friends of different races, they are all British whatever thir ethnicity, and, it may surprise you, they also resent the attitude of muslims which says 'we have the right to live here' and ' we have the right to behave just as we wish, including ignoring your laws and culture as and when we wish to.' THAT is what Brits object to, and other Europeans increasingly too. If you respect us and our culture, you will get respect back. Criticise and villify it, as so many muslims do, and you will experience a backlash. This sad case is an example, as I was trying to point out of the gulf between. Carry on with the 'we are special because we are muslims' attitude, and parties like the BNP and other racists will gain power [not ever from me voting for them, I assure you, I despise fascists including islamofascists who try to force people to accept them with a bomb] and then we will all suffer. Forget multiculturalism, integrate and become British and you will be one of us. Stick with the burqa, a symbol of women's subjugation and second class status under islam, and other such 'differences' which place you outside British society, and you will never be accepted. We are not about to rent out bits of our country to foreign powers. If you don't like Britain and its culture, you are free to live elsewhere. I think that's fair enough. Integrate or leave. Not racist, just practical. No society can be fragmented and survive for long without friction. Those which have existed with two or more cultures are still experiencing strife many centuries down the line. What unites people is a shared culture, within that, religion can be as diverse as you like, religion has nothing to do with being British, and religious difference and the freedom to practice whatever 'faith' you subscribe to, is enshrined in our law/ Unlike in some muslim countries - I just heard churches are being firebombed in Pakistan.
This incident is a heinous crime not just against an individual but against an entire community and it is indicative of broader intolerance, exemplified not just by the murderous killing of this poor woman but also by the unashamedly racist comment above by Peter Simmons. Shame on you Mr Simmons for condoning racially motivated violence - and please note Europe will NOT bow to xenophobes like yourself - immigrants of all stripes are in Europe to stay. Please learn to respect their rights and lives and if you do not like the direction Europe is moving please know you yourself have the option of living elsewhere.
To Peter Simmons
The world is full of people like yourself who despise Muslims, and for what, for staying steadfast on their religion.
May God give you guidance, you still have hope.
Any sane human, muslim or non-muslim, would have condemned this barbaric act, just like I and many muslims condemn what happened in 9/11 (which the media "drill into the peoples minds" was an attack from the islamic world). Ask any practising muslim and you will see that 9/11 had nothing to do with Islam.
If you feel that the muslims are taking over, then what are the non- muslims invading western countries and trying to impose their way of life and taking over their resources, murdering innocent children and womnen (and calling it collateral damage). You do not see the muslims in Europe forcing their beliefs on the rest of the Europeans with tanks and missiles do you ? We get on with our lives and Islam is a way of life and nothing what idiots like you are brainwashed into thinking. Open your eyes and spend time in a praxctising muslim community and you will see the reality of how unalien we are.
I have lived in the UK all my life and I work amongst people of different faiths and serve the people, regardless of their background. Your mission is hate Peter and not integration and aceptance and respect of other peoples beliefs
If this was a non muslim woman in an islamic country, that was stabbed bysomeone who had a muslim name (and I say name here and not belief, as a muslim would not commit this act), you would see this spread all over the worlds media.
@Peter
you are just talking ill! Haven't the Europeans invaded Muslim territories & colonized them in 16-19th century & even now in Iraq & Afghanistan, aren't they today flying to different Muslim countries & living there?
How will you deny that it is the Muslims who taught the Europeans to build a modernized civilization!
The Muslims taught you to have bath when you even didn't know how to wash hands! Remember the dark ages in 13th century?
Try to be sensible .... Try to confess that you have done wrong by not giving security to Martyr sister Sherbini, confess that the western media tried to hide it. Remember life is not one! Try to read Quran & Hadith & then you will realize who the Muslims are!
How dare you defend what happened? This is why the whole world hates europeans. I live in the US and I'm muslims and we are treated here equally as anyone else. Even after 9/11 noone told us to leave this country. We have a right to live where ever we want. No one forced the european countries to accept us as citizens. They do it because they need us. This lady was a pharmacist, they needed her, her husband was a researcher and they needed him. You can say all you want about Europeans but they aren't that great, especially the Germans. Learn something from the Americans and the Spanish. Multiculturalism works beautifully in the US. This is the most diverse country in the world. The difference is in the people. People here are open minded but you Europeans aren't. No wonder why Americans hate you.
Well if the Muslims are convinced of this 'tide of racism' they know what to do. They can go home, and stop trying to colonise Europe and overwhelm the native populations. As some have been warning for decades, multiculturalism is a recipe for social strife, it's apartheid by another name. And the politically correct middle class who have promoted it as a badge of their anti-racism have caused this situation by encouraging Muslims to move to Europe. Now the backlash is starting and they are surprised and shocked. The majority of Muslim immigrants don't want to become Europeans, they openly despise us and our culture, they want to outbreed us and take over, already running sharia courts as a direct challenge to our judicial systems. This is how right wing extremism flourishes, and we have seen it before in Europe.