Redbridge Muslim leaders condemn Lee Rigby murderers Adebolajo and Adebowale

Dr Mohammed Fahim, South Woodford Mosque (Image: Archant)

Michael Adebowale and Michael Adebolajo were both found guilty last Thursday of murdering Rigby outside Woolwich barracks in south-east London in May.

Bashir Chaudhry, chairman of league of British Muslims, said Adebowale and Adebolajo were “not Muslims” for the crime they had committed, and the Muslim community “deplored” their actions.

Dr Mohammed Fahim, of South Woodford mosque, Mulberry Way, said Adebowale, from Greenwhich, and Adebolajo, from Romford, due to be sentenced in the new year, should both “be hanged”.

He said: “They deserve to be hanged. If we could change the law but this country has a law that does not recognise the Old Testament.

“What they did was a crime, and crime does not recognise [skin] colour or religion – a killer is a killer.”

Dr Fahim, though, insisted the incident would not affect the diverse Redbridge community.

“I do not think so,” he added. “People are mature now; they know that the majority of mosques – 99.9 per cent – oppose any form of violence.”

Dr Fahim’s comments on the strength of community relations in the borough were echoed by Mr Chaudhry.

“We condemn this incident wholeheartedly,” added Mr Chaudhry. “It is a sad incident – the people who have done it are not Muslims. Nobody supports this.

“They should be punished by whatever the law says. They have no right to take someone’s life, especially someone who is working for the community and their country.

“It will not have any negative impact on inter-community relations. The Muslim community deplores their actions.

Mr Chaudhry expressed his sympathy to Rigby’s family.