PRESS STATEMENT

25 September 2012

Panel Convened to Consider Imam Case

  • Panel to make recommendations over Sunday Times report
  • Police confirm no further action against Imam Mohamed Kassamali

An independent panel of cross-community experts has held its first meeting and is now considering the case of the Husaini Islamic Centre imam, Mohamed Kassamali, following comments made about the possibility of underage marriage reported in The Sunday Times newspaper (9th September).

The seven panellists include a former senior police officer and specialist in child protection; a high-profile Islamic scholar and interfaith specialist from the Muslim Council of Britain; an Arabic & Islamic specialist and educationalist; a former BBC head of religion; a local social worker; and a local human rights lawyer. They will consider all aspects surrounding the case, and make their recommendations to the management committee of the Husaini Islamic Centre in the coming weeks.

Cambridgeshire Police have also confirmed that following a voluntary interview with Mr Kassamali, no further police action is to be taken.

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