Skip to main content
BBC NEWS / GLASGOW AND WEST
Graphics VersionBBC Sport Home
News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |
UK Contents:  England | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales | UK Politics | Education | Magazine

Sunday, 23 July 2006, 14:51 GMT 15:51 UK

Muslims 'boycott' Glasgow Airport

Glasgow Airport Muslim business travellers are boycotting Glasgow Airport, according to a leading Scottish figure.

Bashir Maan, from the Muslim Council of Great Britan, complained of heavy-handed and humiliating searches by anti-terrorist police officers.

Dozens of executives have said they are no longer prepared to fly from Scotland and are using Manchester instead.

Strathclyde Police said it was looking at training to raise awareness of cultural and religious sensitivities.

Mr Maan said: "I'd never experienced anything like that before in Scotland.

"This was a show of sheer discrimination, victimisation of certain sections of the community in Scotland."

Glasgow businessman Mohammed ashraf said it was "undignified" to be stopped and questioned.

"After being through all the checks that normal people go through, at the last moment you are stopped again and asked questions as everybody else passes you by," he said.

Ahmed Tassi, a Lebanese nurse working in Glasgow, said his wife was frequently targeted.

"Their concerns have been acknowledged and we have pledged to work with the community to address these issues"
Strathclyde Police spokesman

"She is a Canadian. She is more of an English speaker than me but she happens to be Muslim and covers her hair.

"90% of occasions when we pass through they say 'step aside' and she gets the full search.

"I am always waiting half an hour or an hour for her."

A Strathclyde Police spokesperson said: "We have had a meeting with representatives from the Muslim community.

"Their concerns have been acknowledged and we have pledged to work with the community to address these issues.

"We are looking at further training of our officers, particularly at airports to raise awareness of cultural and religious sensitivities."




E-mail this to a friend
Related to this story:
Airport numbers continue to soar (11 Apr 06 |  Scotland )
Rail link objectors get their say (31 Jan 06 |  Scotland )
Airport rail link bid put forward (09 Jan 06 |  Scotland )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Glasgow Airport
Muslim Council of Great Britain
Strathclyde Police
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



SEARCH BBC NEWS: 

News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |
UK Contents:  England | Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales | UK Politics | Education | Magazine

NewsWatch | Notes | Contact us | About BBC News | Profiles | History

^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©