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Talk To The Hand
Former journalist Yvonne Ridley has told Muslims in east London to "withdraw cooperation" from the police to protest against last week's anti-terror raids. "I don't think the Muslim community should communicate with the police any more until they start showing some respect," said Ridley, who converted to Islam in 2001 shortly after she was kidnapped by the Taliban while covering Afghanistan.
Ridley, who is now an activist in George Galloway's RESPECT anti-war coalition advised London Muslims they should "boycott the police and refuse to co-operate with them in any way, shape or form"... "from asking the community copper for directions to passing the time of the day with the beat officers".
She accused the police of "terrorising" the Muslim community in east London.
Police spokesmen have condemned Ridley's outburst, which they warn will damage community relations and hinder the fight against terrorism. Ridley's zeal was also judged to be too extreme by others in the RESPECT coalition: Councillor Hanif Abdulmuhit criticised her stance, and said that the community ""needs to co-operate with the police."
One man was shot in Friday's police action, though his injuries are not said to be life-threatening.
