You can't arrest me! It's Ramadan!
Police in Manchester have been told not to arrest Muslims wanted on warrants at prayer times during Ramadan.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed it had asked detectives not to make planned arrests during those periods for reasons of religious sensitivity.
The advice was emailed out to officers working in Moss Side, Hulme,
"The month of Ramadan is an important time of the year for members of the Muslim community throughout the world.
"It is important that normal, planned policing activities and operations are maintained, while ensuring that officers are professional and respectful to members of the community while going about their duties."
Why should they be respectful to any criminal? Shouldn’t the first job of the police be to arrest criminals no matter what their religious and social situation is? Will Christians be exempt from being arrested on Sundays or during Lent? I doubt it. Infact there are no other ‘communities’ that get such special treatment.
If you are not a Muslim the police are telling you that you are second class citizens.
Aren’t warrants usually used for things like drugs raids and paedophilia? Muslim drug dealers and paedophiles can now rest in peace knowing that they won’t be arrested as long as Ramadan lasts.
1 comment:
This issue has generated a lot of debate, but unfortunately much of it has been as a result of misinformation which has appeared in the media.
To clarify the actual situation, officers were never instructed not to make arrests. The month of Ramadan is an important time of the year for members of the Muslim community throughout the world. Officers were asked to be aware that this important religious festival is taking place and to ensure that they remain professional and respectful to member of the community when going about their duties.
This was unfortunately misinterpreted by some people, including certain elements of the media, which has resulted in some misunderstanding of the position. The primary objective of Greater Manchester Police is to fight crime and protect people and we will aim to continue to do so for all the people we serve, whatever their background.
Regards
GMP Press Office
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