Mediator assigned to tackle ‘sectarian’ Islamic dispute in Longford

A judge has appointed a mediator to resolve a dispute between members of the Muslim community in Longford amid claims that a “sectarian” attack was being planned.

Judge Seamus Hughes made the order at a special sitting of Longford District Court on Thursday following an incident which occurred at the Longford Community Islamic Centre, Townspark Industrial Estate on August 21st last year.

Six men, a father and his two sons together with three brothers, were all charged with assault and public order offences following the incident.

Mohammad Tariq, 19 Cloverwell, Edgeworthstown and Muhammad Abid Hussain, 7 Cloverwell, Edgeworthstown, were charged with assaulting Muhammad Asim contrary to Section 2 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997.

Muhammad Khalid, 11 Cloverwell, Edgeworthstown was also charged with assault and with two further Section 6 and Section 8 public order offences.

Ghulam Rasool, 4 Cloverwell, Edgeworthstown was similarly charged with assaulting Mr Asim while his two sons, Ahsan Rasool and Quasim Rasool, both of the same address were also charged with assault.

The latter named defendant was also charged under Section 6 and 8 of the Public Order Act.

The court was told both gardaí and the media were notified that an incident might arise, resulting in representatives of both attending the scene on the day in question.

Garda Michael Belton said shortly after 2pm a disturbance inside the mosque broke out, culminating in an alleged assault being carried out on Mr Asim.

“I met the injured party once inside and noticed that he had received a number of blows to the head, he was bleeding and the robe he was wearing was ripped asunder,” said Garda Belton.

Garda Belton added the atmosphere inside the mosque which housed around 180 people was “quite hostile” with at least two of the defendants appearing to “cajole” the crowd.

Asked by Judge Hughes what may have prompted the row, Garda Belton said he believed it centred on a difference of opinion over the centre’s Imam, or religious teacher.

He was subsequently released from his duties and replaced by a new leader.

Dr Syed Ali, a witness for the prosecution and director of the mosque said the committee had decided to replace the Imam on foot of fears “groupings” were being formed which were dividing the local Muslim community.

He said both Mr Rasool and Mr Tariq refused to open talks with a view to solving the impasse and was instead informed a “sectarian attack” on the Muslim community would be carried out.

“By that I mean, someone is going to kill,” he told the judge.

Dr Ali, who is also GP to Mr Asim said his client was still suffering psychologically from the incident.

Judge Hughes asked the six defendants and their supporters who were sitting in the public gallery whether hostilities still remained.

A spokesman Muhammad Hafiz said some members of the Muslim centre were not happy with how the mosque was being administered.

“There is no structure,” he said, adding that certain figures were intent on running it as a “dictatorship”.

In an attempt to resolve the lingering differences between both sides, Judge Hughes said he was keen to appoint an independent mediator.

However, he warned the six defendants before the court that he would have no hesitation in handing out prison sentences if animosities continued.

“There is a lot of friction, I can see that. But if progress is not made and if this ill-will carries on I will have no choice but to sentence the six people.

“The reason I say that is to put wind in your sails,” he told them.

The case was adjourned pending the appointment of a mediator and is expected to return before a sitting of Longford District Court on January 10th next.