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MSPs back asylum campaign for gay Syrian facing jail and torture



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Published Date: 23 March 2008
By Kurt Bayer
JOIN OUR CAMPAIGN: Take part in Scotland on Sunday's online petition below
POLITICAL pressure is mounting on the UK Government to reverse its decision to deport a gay Syrian teenager from Scotland to his homeland, where he faces almost certain imprisonment and torture.

Scotland on Sunday revealed last week that 19-year-old Jojo Jako Yakob was being held in Polmont Young Offenders' Institution awaiting deportation, despite evidence he had been tortured almost to death in Syria, where homosexuality is illegal.

Shirley-Anne Somerville, a Nationalist MSP for the Lothians, has lodged a parliamentary motion in support of our campaign to let Yakob stay in the country.

It has already been supported by several MSPs, including Jamie Hepburn, Roseanna Cunningham, Rob Gibson, Christina McKelvie, Patrick Harvie, Bill Kidd, Alex Neil, Joe FitzPatrick, Robin Harper, Elaine Smith, Gil Paterson, Sandra White, Iain Smith, Dr Bill Wilson, Dr Christopher Harvie, Jamie McGrigor and Michael Matheson.

Somerville said: "I felt that it was very important to raise a motion so that politicians of all parties could support the campaign. We need an urgent review of the cases currently ongoing in Scotland so that we don't have anyone sent home and face persecution and violence."

Pete Wishart MP, the SNP's home affairs spokesman, has taken up the case at Westminster and has vowed to make representations to the Home Office.

He said: "After Mr Yakob's terrible ordeal in Syria, it is unacceptable that the Home Office would consider sending him back. There is a very real risk that he would suffer further ill treatment or even possibly death. He has sought asylum in Scotland and I will make an immediate representation to the Home Office in an effort to overturn their ruling before his final hearing in May."

Yakob has appealed against the Home Office deportation order and has instructed top Scottish QC Mungo Bovey to fight his case. Yakob will appear before a full immigration hearing in Glasgow on May 7, when his fate will be determined.

A spokesman for Dundee law firm Caird Vaughan, which is representing Jojo, said: "Jojo has been overwhelmed and greatly touched by the tremendous support he has received from complete strangers since his plight was highlighted.

"He has asked us to thank everyone who has signed the Scotland on Sunday petition and also for their messages of support. Jojo is also extremely grateful to the politicians who have been shocked by his case and vowed to fight his corner."

Jojo fled his homeland two years ago after surviving a harrowing ordeal at the hands of Syrian police and prison guards, when he was arrested for distributing anti-government leaflets. Following his transfer from police interrogation, prison guards soon discovered that Jojo, a member of the repressed Kurdish minority in the Arab state, was homosexual. He then suffered horrific beatings and was assaulted so badly that he fell into a coma.

ONLINE PETITION

We, the undersigned, urge the British government to rescind the deportation order against Jojo Jako Yakob and grant him asylum to stay in this country. We believe it would be an act of inhumanity to force his return to Syria, where it is almost certain he would be tortured and even killed on account of his sexuality.

Leave your name and/or comment below

The full article contains 560 words and appears in Scotland On Sunday newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

 
1

Murray in Canada,

Salt Spring Island 23/03/2008 00:31:05
What are the grounds for the deportation order?
WHY is there any delay about this?
Whose is the ultimate decision?
How easy is it, for God's sake, to change a ruling?
2

subrosa,

23/03/2008 00:38:33
I won't be signing this. Not enough accurate information to make a decision.
3

truthsleuth,

23/03/2008 00:41:10
THe UK cannot accomodate anymore immigrants.
This man wanted to shout his sexual orientation in HIS OWN Country.
Now I consider the Syrian attitude brutal but that does not mean I should support a mass exodus from Syria to the UK.
Jojo should return to Syria and get his mates together and get the Syrian attitude changed just as the Gays did in the UK and elsewhere. Running away is not the answer.
4

Jwil,

23/03/2008 01:04:44
#3 "Jojo should return to Syria and get his mates together and get the Syrian attitude changed just as the Gays did in the UK and elsewhere. Running away is not the answer".

That's beside the point. The Syrians apply the teachings of the Koran. There was a similar case with an Iranian last week, who has been allowed a reprieve from extradition.

What would you feel like if you were in the same situation?

I think it would be wrong of a Labour (so called socialist) government to return these people when there is a likelyhood of persecution and possibly even death by the authorities.
5

Willie Macleod,

Wick 23/03/2008 02:07:44
I support this petition Willie Macleod.
6

The Daleks,

Longmen 23/03/2008 05:52:08
Lat's hope the voters punish the above named MSP's at the polls.
7

Jock's Away,

Africa 23/03/2008 07:25:46
As UK law is based on precedence, are we seeing another loop hole being exploited? As a Scot with 26 years in Islamic countries including 5 years in Iran, if the cases of the Iranian and Syrian are allowed to become precedence, It will be no surprise at the number of homo sexual illegal immigrant will pop out of the wood work.
The British isles does not have the capacity to absorb the numbers of immigrants find their way in, let alone finding another excuse not to be deported. It is after all their own cultural and national values, they are running away from. The value of mis information, disinformation, to generally mis lead are a fine art in the middle east. Didn't America and Britain go to war on Iraq as a result of the intelligence from political asylum seekers and immigrants with an agenda.
MSP's need to wake up and smell the coffee. Life is tough and your values formed in a cotton wool society, are ripe for manipulation by those without your values.
8

Peter The Imperfect,

23/03/2008 07:35:26
Again-SoS had the same petition last week -that one was rebuked by at least 75% of posters who wanted him sent back-along with the Iranian gay.

We are sick of being dumped on by every chancer who sees that the UK is a soft touch.

Send him back!
9

HA,

Beith 23/03/2008 08:25:39
How about SNP MSPs signing a campaign pledge to take the poor of Scotland, many of them elderly, out of poverty?
10

 Ayrshire Scot™,

23/03/2008 08:33:49
9. Is care for the poor in our society now mutually exclusive to offering asylum to someone facing torture and execution if deported?
11

The Spook in Leith,

Leith 23/03/2008 08:51:28
#9 Labour had 10 years in which to bring the elderly out of poverty, the SNP have been in power for 8 months. Judge them after 4 years.

Lets hope the politicians can now see sense and allow this teenager a safe and secure future in Scotland
12

The Daleks,

Longmen 23/03/2008 09:28:46
#11 Spook

The teenager has NO RIGHT to any sort of future in Scotland. He broke the law of his own land by campaigning against the Syrian government, he broke the law of this land by entering illegally, and being found in possession of a fake passport, and he by-passed the nearest safe country (where he should have sought sanctuary). Obviously their benefits system isn't as good as ours, their politicians so soft, or their people so brainwashed.

Our elected leaders are a joke. A real joke. They should be spending their time looking after their ain folk, as opposed to everybody else's, at the expense of their own.

SEND HIM BACK.
13

The Spook in Leith,

Leith 23/03/2008 09:36:23
#12
Whats the price of keeping one teenager compared to the billions our politicians spend on illegal wars at us the tax payers expense. I know he broke the law and campaigned against the Syrian government, the same government that is smuggling arms into Iraq killing our troops..Good on the guy, the Syrian government is little more than a fanatical despot.
14

Davy,

The Athens of the North 23/03/2008 10:02:14
This man should be deported immediately.
He is a criminal & a law breaker.
How else could he get a false passport?
He has broken the laws of our country & his own.
No negotiations needed or discussions.
In fact he should be sent back in shackles.
15

Suomi,

Salo,Finland 23/03/2008 10:09:30
Not much ermpathy in these postings.I support this petition.If there is the slightest doubt about his tratement ,if sent back to his own country,then give him the benefit of the doubt.
16

bill-alba,

fife 23/03/2008 10:24:02
This is a good one..it manages to bring out the racists and the anti gay posters..

The Scottish courts should take this out of the hands of the home office and make the decision to allow him to stay.
17

Draco Was a Wimp,

Edinburgh 23/03/2008 11:24:55
# 15 Suomi

Then take him in Finland. What a sap this country is and what a bunch of hand-wringing saps fill the seats in Parliament. How do you prove that someone is gay? It's the latest scam by a bunch of chancers that just want to come live in the UK. Like so many have said, what was wrong with Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Austria, Germany and France? All safe countries en route to dear old soft-touch Blighty. If he was that desperate, he could have stopped off anywhere. Could have a wonderful gay-friendly life in Amsterdam. So much naivete, makes you weep.
18

Neanderthal75,

Rocky Mountains USA 23/03/2008 11:42:16
Hello All,

I'm for nailing the Syrians about any way possible, since they're murdering our (Brit and US) troops by aiding and abetting Al Qaeda in Iraq, but sending this kid back is a bad idea.

I'm also sympathetic to those who argue the Law and Order Line, he broke the law and therefore MUST bear the legal burden of his choices.

I believe a solid solution would be for a Third Country willing to take the kid legally, to be sought, and for the kid to be sent there, after spending some time in prison (for violating British Immigration Laws).

Sending him back to Syria would be nothing less than aiding and abetting in his murder: would anyone here be willing to put a noose around this kid's neck and then pull the lever to drop him through the chute?

I wouldn't, and I don't think any of you would be willing.

So how about a reasonable alternative?

Cheers from the Rockies
19

An Beal Bacht,

23/03/2008 11:55:30
16 - bill-alba, fife 23/03/2008 10:24:02 writes:

"This is a good one..it manages to bring out the racists and the anti gay posters."

It also seems to bring out the intellectually challenged.
20

The Spook in Leith,

Leith 23/03/2008 12:16:12
#16

Another good post by you, well said..
21

Suomi,

Salo,Finland 23/03/2008 12:50:14
By the tone of some comments on this site I think that he would be better off in Finland,since the Finns tend to take a very humane approach to such cases.

Of course this case needs to be checked out and I see that the petition is to have the case reviewed in oreder to see whether he would be in danger if sent home.I see that the MSP's supporting the petition reresent all political parties,not just the SNP.I spotted Green,Liberals,Labour and Conservatives in that group.I feel quite proud of our politicians on this one since it is important to know whether this boy will be executed or harmed before deciding what to do with him.

22

yoric,

23/03/2008 12:59:01
Why are we giving Asylum to persons breaking the laws of their own Countries.
We may not agree with the laws of Iran and Syria regarding Homosexuals, but these are the laws relating to these Countries, it is NOT for us or anyone else to question.
Perhaps if Homosexuals spent more time doing it, and less time protesting and handing out leaflets then they wouldn't perhaps be in these situations.
23

Draco Was a Wimp,

Edinburgh 23/03/2008 13:14:09
#21 Suomi

Humanity and realism aren't necessarily mutually exclusive. Unfortunately, so many, particularly amongst our legislators, find it difficult to take hard decisions, preferring a sense of smug self-congratulation. That's all very well, but the UK seems to have been targetted by chancers as a result. It seems that you've all accepted this guy, and his homosexuality, as genuine without looking at his situation rationally.
1. If you were gay, and you were already a political prisoner in a brutal gaol in a country where homosexuality was illegal, would you really compound your risk by embarking on a gay relationship in front of the people who've already allegedly tortured you?
2. If you were genuinely in fear and wanted asylum, wouldn't you claim asylum at the first possible opportunity in the first possible safe country, just to be sure?
Before anyone blindly believes this guy and signs the petition, they should be asking for answers such as, how long was he in the UK before he bothered to claim asylum? Was it after his initial claim was refused that he suddenly remembered about his homosexuality?
This whole thing has become a scam and an industry. Genuinely persecuted people and people who deserve to stay here, like the Ghurkas who have served this country, have had it made more difficult because tens, if not hundreds, of thousands abuse the system and soft touches like you believe them.
24

Horrible Cankers at the Cyber Shebeen,

23/03/2008 13:16:26
Away ye go ya bampot...it is for any right minded individual to question and object to..

I support this petition...

Sickos....
25

Draco Was a Wimp,

Edinburgh 23/03/2008 13:26:41
Oh, look at me, Im so 'right-minded' and liberal. I feel so good about myself compared to those horrible racist, homophobic sickos. Let me sign a petition about a case I know next to nothing about. And you people have the vote......
26

Anthony,

Glasgow 23/03/2008 13:56:33
I can't understand this one. If the claims being presented as fact are fact, then this young man should not be facing deportation under asylum law. Either someone has made a massive botch-up, or the facts are not as straight forward as we are being led to believe.
27

subrosa,

23/03/2008 14:34:23
I'm disappointed an MSP has lodged this parliamentary motion. Really don't think such motions are part of their remit as I'm unsure how many of them know the thoughts of their constituents.

Would be far far better they lodged a parliamentary motion insisting our troops were brought back from Iraq.
28

qohldr,

23/03/2008 15:40:52
This guy was arrested for distributing anti-government leaflets.
While in prison he was beaten and abused for being gay (allegedly).
He then escaped Syria two years ago, how did he escape Syria? did he escape from prison first or was he released first? If he was released did the persecution continue from the authorities because he was gay.
How did he reach this country? did he pass through other countries which were safe havens before reaching the UK? did he apply for asylum as soon as he reached the UK? if not why not? Why was he in possession of a false passport (Belgian)? Why did he break the laws of country that he wished to protect him.
There is more to this case than just the fact he claims to be gay.
29

Glaswegian,

GLASGOW 23/03/2008 15:56:46

Signed.

If he were my son or brother, I'd hope people would have the common humanity to help protect him.

30

Jwil,

23/03/2008 17:00:18

Some posters above point out that this Syrian broke the law by having a false passport. It must have been desperation that led him to do this. Wouldn't anyone in the same position do the same? (it's equivalent to persecuted Europeans trying to escape the Nazis during WWII). The Iranian who was reprieved from extradition last week had a friend executed by the Iranian authorities and fled the country before they could do the same to him.

If there is more to it than we are being told then the authorities must take appropriate action, but on the face of it the UK governement puts him between a rock and a hard place.
31

john.dimambro@blueyonder.co.uk,

North Lanarkshire 23/03/2008 17:12:20
If there is doubt about what might happen to this young man, in view of the potential for personal harm, I think he must be allowed to stay.
32

Draco Was a Wimp,

Edinburgh 23/03/2008 17:25:47
# Jwil

The point is that he has already shown himself to be dishonest by obtaining a false passport. He managed to get to the UK in a lorry but what did he do? Did he jump out at Dover, present himself to the first official he encountered and say ' I claim asylum as a gay Syrian who has been politically active against the regime in Syria. I have been shot before and tortured.' No, he makes his way to Scotland and pretends to be Belgian. Obviously he has attempted to stay here as an EU citizen and not claimed asylum as a Syrian. Now he's been caught out, he's claimed asylum and failed. The whole thing reeks but, as usual, headline hunting MSPs would rather get good publicity by backing an apparently good cause. I'd like to now how many were actually in possession of the full facts of his case before opening their mouths.
33

Fanling,

Taiwan 23/03/2008 17:26:26
#23 Draco

As you say, "this whole thing has become a scam and an industry."

Isolated instances like this become an easy cause-célèbre for low-profile, happy-clappy politicians who ought to be concentrating rather more on the needs of their legal constituents.

As Draco mentions, the Gurkhas, who courageously laid their lives on the line in the dedicated service of the British army, are subjected to shabby treatment in respect of residence and pensions. Where do the politicians mentioned in the article stand on that highly relevant issue? The UK is the softest touch in the known world. Ask any illegal "asylum-seeker".

Sensation-seeking headline writers and third-rate journalists regularly churn out emotive stuff of this kind, while seeming to neglect the fine print of the matter. It is clearly not a straightforward case of asylum seeking when you note how many "safe" EU countries that person travelled through to arrive in Scotland - illegally.

34

Stefania Alvarez,

23/03/2008 17:45:41
Ohh come on now boys and girls
... why are all the Lefties suddenly changing their tune???

If Islam is ... as they repeatedly tell us ... a tolerant 'religion of peace' ... why the guy has nothing to fear from going home to Syria.

Allah the most merciful ... as we are frequently informed ... will instruct his followers to turn the other cheek ... yes??


No ...
... on second thoughts let him stay ... what is another fortnightly Giro anyway ??
35

Stefania Alvarez,

23/03/2008 17:47:59
In fact why does Salmond not find a safe SNP seat for him at Hollyrood??
36

Stefania Alvarez,

23/03/2008 17:50:15
I am just off to put on my burka now ...

I might as well since Britain will be a Muslim Caliphate soon ehh.
37

Suomi,

Salo,Finland 23/03/2008 17:56:51
I can see that a lot of people on this site have judged this young man and sentenced him before the evidence has been examined.The fact that his country does not allow political dissent tells you that they have a different view about what is meant by free speech.What choice do people have in such countries?

There is a lot of speculation that is being presented as if they were facts.The MSP's are quite right to petition for an investigation,in order to establish the real truth about this case.If there is any evidence that he will be executed on the basis of his sexuality,or politics,he should not be sent back.The point about the shabby treatment of the Ghurka's is a good one,but even they would not like to use that as an excuse for failing to investigate the facts around this case.
38

Draco Was a Wimp,

Edinburgh 23/03/2008 18:18:23
#37 Suomi

You're absolutely correct, this story (I won't grace it with the name report) gives us very few facts but a lot of emotive conjecture. Without the facts, I can't sign the petition but can't call for him to be returned either. But MSPs feel free to call for him to remain in the UK without, apparently, being in possession of the facts. In one respect, you're wrong. There HAS been an enquiry into his case by the authorities and they have refused his request for asylum. They obviously don't believe him. He has appealed and it's up to a higher authority to believe him or not. The way you'd have it, anyone who wants to come and live here just has to claim to be politically active or gay and they can stay here. How can we prove otherwise? You'd better get room ready in Finland because, based on that, we really will be full up here very soon.
39

Stefania Alvarez,

23/03/2008 18:47:08
I am sure we could send him to a 'safe Muslim country'
... no reason for the guy to live here is there ???
40

Suomi,

Salo,Finland 23/03/2008 19:09:57
The Msp's are not asking that this young man stays in Scotland,they are asking that his case be re-investigated.As a Scot,I am proud that members of the Scottish parliament are investigating this case because there are numerous examples of UK immigration making mistakes in the past.Some of their decisions wrong decisions have cruelly sepperated families and caused the death of some individuals.

If there is the slightest doubt about his safety,in a country that does not tolerate diversity and freedom of speech,then we should be careful.He should not be put at risk just because some abuse the system.That is a bit like casting doubt on a person's disability because some abuse the system.Of course there has to be an immigration policy but it needs to be humane and reliable.The MSP's in the Scottish Parliament believe that there is sufficient doubt to ask that this particular case be looked at again.It gives me great pleasure that politicians of all parties,in my country of Scotland take human rights seriously.Of course if he is telling lies he will go back.
41

subrosa,

23/03/2008 19:16:16
This case doesn't add up. This man 'escaped'. How? He's been around quite a while and suddenly he claims he's gay. Good ploy that because nobody could contest the claim. He'd have to go in the army if he went back? So what. Many do that in this country.

Call my cynical but I've every right to be. I think most of us with any common sense are beginning to see a pattern developing here.


42

Stefania Alvarez,

23/03/2008 19:44:03
Number 41 ... subrosa ... your cynicism is mis-placed ... Allah the most merciful will save this boy from a fate worse than death ... he should go home ... but he would rather stay here and have kids (once his asylum claim is approved ... he will suddenly be 'cured' of homosexuality) ... get free health care on the NHS and get his Giro once a fortnight.

This case should be interesting to observe.
He will suddenly discover (once he has the right to stay in Britain) that he was mistaken ... have five kids ... and claim a huge Giro ...!!

Still this campaign should be interesting ehhhh??
43

Fanling,

Taiwan 23/03/2008 19:47:49
#37 & 40 Suomi

You mention my (presumed) "point about the shabby treatment of the Ghurka's [sic]" without acknowledging it is my point, or that of the poster further up.

Whatever, I take issue with your assertion that "even they [the MSPs in the article] would not like to use that as an excuse for failing to investigate the facts around this case." You know that for certain? If I am not mistaken, you have links with one or several of those MSPs. No disrespect to you - I just want to see a bit of balance here. If you actually know that these, or some of these, MSPs would not do as you state above, then can you please expound for the sake of clarity?
44

Draco Was a Wimp,

Edinburgh 23/03/2008 19:48:39
#40 Suomi

With respect, your viewpoint is dangerously naive. We're not talking about 'some' abusing the system. We're talking tens, if not hundreds, of thousands. The reason the Home Office gets things wrong is because the system is swamped by applications and officials can't give each case the time it may merit. Which is wrong, when deserving individuals may suffer injustice. We're in a Catch 22 situation. The more are given the benefit of the doub as you ask, the more false claimants come. This is putting serious strain on many public services and is causing a genuine resentment among the wider public, which isn't good for those with genuine cases. Making cheap political capital out of individual cases does no-one any favours.
45

Stefania Alvarez,

23/03/2008 19:59:46
Number 44 ... Draco ... surely you are the one being naive???

How come it took this guy so long to discover he was gay ????

Could it be he sat down with one of his mates in the mosque and thought it all out ??

Heaven forbid ehhh??

Best way to get his fortnightly Giro and free health care courtesy of the NHS ... brilliant ... a master stroke !!!

No !!!

In five years time this guys will have a barrel load of children and will laugh at the elected infidel fools
... who were so easily taken in by his lies and deceptions.

Still ... lots of fools will sign this petition no doubt ehhh??
46

Foulkes Off the CyberNat,

Edinburgh 23/03/2008 20:07:48
With all this going on what has got to be gay about??
47

Draco Was a Wimp,

Edinburgh 23/03/2008 20:08:48
#45 Stefania,

Er, I think you may find I share your scepticism about the veracity of this guy's story.
48

Stefania Alvarez,

23/03/2008 20:15:55
Number 47 Draco ... ok ... I stand corrected !!!

Alex Salmond will probably get the guy a safe SNP seat though ... just think how it will help him convince the voters that he is the most "right-on" guy ehh??

You can see it now ... gay Muslim SNP candidate becomes Member of the Scottish parliament then discovers he is not gay
... oooops !!!
49

Suomi,

Salo;Finland 23/03/2008 20:53:11
Re no 44,I was not talking about MSP's,although I do kmow some of them,My point was that I do not think that two wrongs made a right.Yes of course the Ghurkas were badly treated but do you know whether all of them would wish to risk a young man's life before this story is checked out,just because they were treated badly?

Whaterver the answer might be,I can see that many contributores on this site have already made up their minds,in spite of not knowing the facts about this case.

The ridiculous and unsavoury reference to a Muslim SNP,MSP ,in the posting by no 48, reinforces the impression that there are various agenda's on this thread.Remember that all political parties support the attempt to re-imvestigate this case.Thus I suppose that they would support a gay Labour,Liberal,Socialist or Conservative MSP.While I do not support all of those parties,for once I am proud of all of our MSP'sin the Scottish Parliament.Of course this boy will go home if the the facts are not what we have been led to believe,but let us agree that there is a need to find out.

50

Fanling,

Taiwan 23/03/2008 21:06:51
#49 Suomi

You apparently got the number of your respondent wrong - again - in your post there.
51

Stefania Alvarez,

23/03/2008 21:12:44
Shirley-Anne Somerville, a Nationalist MSP for the Lothians.
... she will no doubt soon enjoy wearing a burka and getting a clitoradectomy (since Muslim women are not supposed to enjoy sex)

Pathetic ...!!!
When will politicians stop being so weak-willed and so keen to accomodate the Muslim minority ???


Anyway back to this soon to be SNP MSP who has suddenly and conveniently discovered he is gay !!!

Picture him in ten years ... a big Giro or an MSP's salary
... whatever he gets he will laugh at those infidel fools for being so stupid and not seeing through his carefully crafted pack of lies !!!
52

Lady Muck,

23/03/2008 21:20:43
Would you people have sent the Jews back and then only realised that they were not operating a scam when the gas chambers were discovered ? Such small minded ignorance is sickening.

#41 do we have conscription in this country ? When did that happen ? People in UK choose to join the Army not this boy he didn't.

#36 the boy is running away from fundamentalist islam. why would his acceptance into our country lead to am muslim caliphate ? quite the reverse.

#28 you approve of the government of syria do you ? being an activist in that country is very very dangerous but shows courage.

#27 so it ios the business of msps to look after their own only ? the troops chose to join the army in this country, not so syria.

# 3 this country needs immigrants. That is not the same as asylum seekers. We have a moral duty to offer asylum to those that genuinely need it. This boy does.

I take it none of you have been to syria.

shame on you all.

53

Lady Muck,

23/03/2008 21:22:12
#51 how stupid are you ? this boy is runing away from fundamentalist islam.
54

Horrible Cankers at the Cyber Shebeen,

23/03/2008 21:23:31
25..And yur point is?....GIRFUY.
55

Horrible Cankers at the Cyber Shebeen,

23/03/2008 21:23:54
'Your' point even...
56

Lady Muck,

23/03/2008 21:25:39
needless to say i sign this petition
57

Lady Muck,

23/03/2008 21:29:16
this government have so many clues about the safety of asylum seekers that they want to send 1400 Iraqis home because it is safe. that is all that needs to be said they are liars.
58

Stefania Alvarez,

23/03/2008 21:34:08
Number 52 & 53

Why say 'fundamentalist' ???

Have you ever read the Koran??
It is full of hatred against non-believers
... and anyone who stops being a practicing Muslim (i.e. an apostate) is sentenced to death in Muslim countries.


So called 'moderate Muslims' are sleeping time-bombs.
Mosques are jihadi factories !!!

Anyone who actually is a devout Muslim is a fundamentalist.

It is extremely naive to make this sharp distinctions between moderates and 'fundamentalists'
... no they are all just Muslims

... all have a duty to go to war against infidel non-Muslims (jihad ... being one of the pilars of Islam)
... and all read the same hate preaching Koran.



You are the one being stupid Lady Muck ... not me !!!
59

Stefania Alvarez,

23/03/2008 21:38:24
Number 57 ... hoisted be your own petard once again.

Your extreme ignorance and naiviety is really quite alarming.
Read the Koran or the Hadiths
... find out about the hatred-spouting people you are so keen to defend !!!

If you actually had ever been to a Muslim country (I have by the way)
You would know the true nature of this bigoted intolerant backward superstitious religion
... that you so naively defend !!!
60

Fanling,

Taiwan 23/03/2008 21:39:05
#49 Suomi

Unlike you, I am not proud of "our MSPs". If this is the best a clutch of them, a cabal of self-seekers, can do, then I have to raise a concern or two. They are Members of the Scottish Parliament, first and foremost, elected to serve the Scottish public who put them there.

Their allegiance in this case is totally misplaced and just panders to a fashionable, right-on, idiot PC bandwagon, to which, sadly, too damn many of them are tacit signed-up members. They take up positions like this, safe in the knowledge that they will be seen by some of the more blinkered to be doing something "useful" from the comfort of their well-remunerated salary and ancillary benefits positions. This case is not the first and will not be the last of its kind to exercise their questionable collective intellect.

This does not bode well for future eventualities. Alex Salmond, take note, the Scottish public that trusted you and yours to look after your own, is watching carefully.

61

Lady Muck,

23/03/2008 21:45:09
You stupido Stefanio are the one that wants to send a gay boy back to his death which you so richly alluded to. Petards are U.
62

Stefania Alvarez,

23/03/2008 21:49:07
Number 61 ...
Lady Muck ... that's great keep up the good work ... you will enjoy your clitoradectomy and burka ehh??
Well that is what will be expected of you when the Muslims make this country into a Caliphate ... wake up !!!
63

beckypumps1,

23/03/2008 22:09:38
I do not support this petition and this has nothing to do with his sexuality.
64

Stefania Alvarez,

23/03/2008 22:23:10
Number 61
Lady Muck and others who support this petition:


Muslim culture is characterised by three important factors:
1.An authoritarian mentality based on strict hierarchy (with men at the top)

2. A patriarchal family structure in which women have a reproductive function and are expected to obey the men.

3. The group comes before the individual, with very firm social control and an obsession with honour and shame.

So deeply ingrained is this anti-women patriarchal mindset
... that it is often totally inappropriate, outdated and degrading in modern society.

Institutionalised inequality is the norm is Muslim societies.
The values of Muslim society revolve around honour and submission to the will of Allah.
So a practicing Muslim who tries to become an integrated member of Western society has an uphill struggle
... because he / she is confronted with a world turned upside down.

This is the reason why you are being naive supporting this petition.
This guy is trying to deceive the elected officials so he can stay.

When did he realise he was gay???
65

Cwalker,

23/03/2008 22:39:52
NO MORE IMMIGRANTS .......


STOP NOW!!!!!
66

Fanling,

Taiwan 23/03/2008 22:50:56
#65

Try telling that to all these blind politically correct politicians who try to tell us that Scotland NEEDS immigrants. This is a preposterous lie. Get the lazy indigenous b*stards on the dole who, year-in, year-out, get their beer, fags and illegal drugs courtesy of yours and my past taxes. When that is achieved then the alleged "need" for immigration will surely reveal itself.
67

subrosa,

23/03/2008 23:12:14
# 42 Stefania

Why didn't I think that would be the outcome? Of course, thanks.
68

subrosa,

23/03/2008 23:16:32
#65

I think you're on the right track. We should halt immigration for a whole and find out who we already have in this country. We're paying billions for public services which are not fit for the purposes. Let's get the Customs detailing every immigrant and the DSS also. We have the technology as long as we don't lose the CD.
69

subrosa,

23/03/2008 23:16:55
whole=while sorry
70

Stefania Alvarez,

23/03/2008 23:23:22
Number 67 ... subrosa
I have unlike most posters been to a Muslim country.
I also shared a house (when I was a student) with a Muslim convert whose fervent zeal and passion to convert other infidels knew no boundaries.

I read his Koran and the Hadiths so that I was able to discuss Islam from a position of knowledge rather than ignorance.
If July 7th 2005 was not a wake up call
... then the attempt to bomb Glasgow Airport last June should open our eyes to the very real threat we face.

I am extremely skeptical when Muslim men tell me something.
They seem to regard it as a kind of religious obligation to lie and mislead infidels.

Now this Syrian guy fears for his life ... really ???

In doubt it !!!

Does he still worship Allah ... probably !!!

Will he make a contribution to modern Scotland ??
... probably not.

So why do our elected politicians spend so much time and effort defending Islam ???
71

Stefania Alvarez,

23/03/2008 23:37:28
Number 68 ... subrosa ...

I think you are dreaming.

The British government need to start exposinf the truth about Islam ... rather than running away from it.

Scottish MSP's could more usefully spend their time investing in the crumbling infrastructure of Scotland's schools and hospitals.

However they would rather have a contest with their English and Welsh counterparts to see who is the most "right-on" and who is the quickest to 'lie down and die' when jihadis rear their ugly heads.

As for halting immigration and taking stock of who is here already ... that would be too difficult.
Also the vocal Muslim minority now have M.P's and other mouth-pieces in the government and would go out of their way to sabotage / derail this.

We need to educate and inform ourselves about the truth of Islam rather than listen to lies which Muslims eagerly spread.

By exposing the truth and speaking out we can discredit this nasty intolerant religion and expose the hatred which lies at it's core.

We need to counter the lies every day !!!

The Press ... including this publication ... tend to be part of this lie machine.

By telling the truth about Islam and the paedophile / rapist prophet Mohammad ... we show how false it really is.
We need to counter these lies as a matter of urgency.
The whole future of our democratic way of life is at stake.
We would betray the brave generation who bravely fought against fascism and nazism from 1939 to 1945 if we allow our freedoms to be hijacked by this twisted backward religion.
72

Willie Macleod,

Wick 24/03/2008 01:38:48
#29 Glaswegian Well said this is about our common humanity.
73

subrosa,

24/03/2008 01:54:43
# 71

Surely I can dream. Thank you for your points. I do know a little about Islam and that is the reason I think we should reconsider our immigration policy. By permitting anyone into this country is diluting the indigenous people as Muslims do not integrate. That scares me.
74

Fanling,

Taiwan 24/03/2008 02:37:47
#73

You do well to be scared. I wish the majority of the population would react similarly to this very real situation which should seriously concern all Scots. I get truly p!ssed off when a gang of creepy politicians climbs on a bandwagon, useful to their own ends, that is propped up by equally deluded idiots, many of whom will be all too visible on these forums. England now has serious concerns in this respect. Does Scotland want the same? Forget all the politicians' "diversity" crap. It's all electoral rhetoric.

Mr Salmond, a warning is being sounded here - not by me alone, but by your future potential electorate. Your future voters are not the Islamic crowd you apparently seek to worship; they are indigenous Scots of all other religious faiths - and, crucially, of none. Seeming to favour one seriously persuasive religiously ethnic mob to the disrespect of the home team is a very bad political move indeed. I wish all politicians would move away from the courting of minorities and concentrate on the wishes of the majority. It used to be like that.
75

Allan(handofgod137),

24/03/2008 10:24:05
Kick him out!
76

Horrible Cankers at the Cyber Shebeen,

24/03/2008 13:25:51
As I stated in a previous post, I know a Scottish bloke who married a muslim girl, he converted to Islam, both of them smoke and drink and go clubbing, and dont bother their erse with their religion... and there are plenty young muslims like that... they are not interested but keep up the pretence as they need to keep their parents happy... fundamentalists and extremists in all religions and cultures.... but not every muslim fits into that category...
77

Stefania Alvarez,

24/03/2008 14:28:34
#76
Unfortunately your mates are a very tiny minority.

Muslims do not integrate ... then complain that they are "excluded"

The reality is we need to halt all new mosque building programmes
... and refuse planning permission for extensions to existing ones.


In order to integrate ... they need to renounce Islam.

Muslims need to become agnostics and atheists like the vast majority.

As regards this philosophical distinction between moderates and fundamentalists ... a very dangerous delusion.
Read the Koran ... a hate-filled book which instructs Muslims how to deal with non-believers ... "kaffirs" (does that name ring a bell ... those on the political Left will remember it as part of the language of Apartheid South Africa)
78

Stefania Alvarez,

24/03/2008 14:36:15
Interesting just now how the Right-wing Dutch M.P. is being hounded in the Netherlands for his film about Islam.

The Dutch have a massive problem.

In 2004 a Dutch film maker Theo van Gogh ... was murdered in broad daylight in Amsterdam.
His killer shot him ... then slit his throat
... and pinned a 'martyrdom note' to his corpse.

He wrongly assumed that the Amsterdam police would shoot to kill.
Instead they shot him ... only wounding him then jailed him for van Gogh's murder.
79

Horrible Cankers at the Cyber Shebeen,

24/03/2008 16:24:39
77...Please explain to me why, prior to 9/11 and the war in Iraq...none of this was an issue or such a major cause for worry for us?...please explain to me why I have grown up amongst muslims (peacefully)but now must worry that they are going to do a 'Campbell Clan' on us all???
80

Stefania Alvarez,

24/03/2008 16:52:28
Number 79 ...
Horrible cankers ...

1. Read the Koran.

2. Read the President of Iran's speeches.

3. Read the Ayatollah Khomeni's views.

4. Find out about the people who ran Finsbury Park mosque in London in the 1990's (well before 9/11).

5. Find out about clitoradectomy and all the other crimes against women commited in Muslim countries.

6. Read "The Caged Virgin" by Ayaan Hirsi Ali (a brave Muslim woman who turned her back on Islam and got a death sentence / fatwa ).

7. Find out about Saudi Arabia ... where women are not even allowed to drive cars.




The situation you refer to in Scotland
... is not representative of Islam as a political movement in other parts of this planet
81

truthsleuth,

24/03/2008 18:25:12
He broke the law in his own country
He knew the penalty
He should be made put his money where his trousers are.
We simply cannot afford to take any more
They are already getting our laws changed to mee THEIR requirements
Stop it before it is to late if its not to late already
82

Stefania Alvarez,

24/03/2008 19:27:27
Number 81 ...
truthsleuth ...
Does he still worship Allah ??

Did he not already (previously) know that in anti-women dodgy Muslim countries
... where homosexuality is rampant
... but the official line is that it is "not the Will of Allah"
... that he would be persecuted ??


Why should we save his 'ass' ( sorry about the pun)

He should go back to Syria and face the consequences of ... his own choices ... back there.

But this is extremely unlikely.

He will be granted asylum.

I also think he will later realise that he was not really gay and have lots of kids.
He will then claim a massive Child Benefit Giro courtesy of the British taz-payer.

Send him back to Syria !!!
83

Horrible Cankers at the Cyber Shebeen,

24/03/2008 23:38:38
80...I think you need to specify which parts...because all of the heated comments here are branding all muslims as fundamental extremists, which is just not true.

Please remember hate breeds hate...by hating all muslims you could be creating the terrorists of the future...
84

Alphekka,

Waltham, N.E.Lincolnshire U.K. 26/03/2008 18:30:24
I think it should be made illegal to return gay people to extremist states that do this:

http://www.pandemonium.me.uk/victims/maandamdclxxx.jpg

These two gay teenagers were judicially murdered in 'Justice Square' in Mashhad for the "crime" of homosexuality.

They admitted having gay sex. This admission was probably extracted under torture as, prior to their execution, the teenagers were held in prison for 14 months and severely beaten with 228 lashes.

These two boys didn't know that their love was a hanging offence. Their full names were erased reduced to initials - A. M. and M. A.
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