Five members of the ‘Bluewater cell’ have today been convicted and sentenced to minimums of 17 and a half and 20 years in prison at the Old Bailey.
The al-Qaeda cell had aimed to hit a string of targets around London, including the Bluewater shopping centre and the Ministry of Sound nightclub.
The sentencing Judge, Sir Michael Astill, told the convicted plotters:
‘You have betrayed this country that has given you every opportunity.’
And:
‘You have betrayed the country that has given you every advantage in life.’
Indeed so. But one of the ‘advantages’ open to them in this country which would not have been open to them elsewhere, was the ‘advantage’ of being able to be radicalised by a succession of terror-supporting individuals and groups, including the now-banned Al-Muhajiroun. This is of particular importance because a number of the plotters came from non-religious families. In other words, their radicalisation was avoidable.
How many such cases have to occur before the British authorities do something about all the radical groups and hate-speakers who have become commonplace in Britain?
Comments (1)
The direct response of al-Qaeda to Salmon Rushdie’s Knighthood yesterday just helped further emphasize the paradox in western society, that a piece of literature free of intent to cause offense to Muslims still rattles the mentally ill ideology of extremists, and we are unable to show support for Mr Rushde’s honor without fearing offending a minority view. Conversely the preaching of bigotry, hatred, and intolerance of extremists in our own country, condoning Jihad around the globe is acceptable. We can not be made to fear questioning a belief, for the unfortunately strong likelihood we will be mistaken for questioning a religion. Despite banning of groups such as the Al Mahajiroon, their ability to preach hate is free in public, private, and all over the internet. It is truly a sad time as we must all witness threats and hate against us in our own country grow louder, as the voices of our own people are increasingly silenced.
Posted by anonymous | July 11, 2007 3:37 PM
Posted on July 11, 2007 15:37