Convictions after hate attack against MEP's family
Posted, May 10, 2012 @ 00:00
A British MEP told the European Parliament of his relief at the conviction of 12 people who took part in a hate attack on his Lancashire home while his wife and child were inside.
Sajjad Karim, Conservative MEP for the North West, told fellow MEPs: "On the 2nd of July last year my home in the UK was surrounded by a mob fuelled with racist and religious hate, weaponry in possession and intent on violence. My wife and child were left petrified and in fear for their safety.
"Twelve people have now been convicted in the criminal courts of these acts and offences.
"I thank Lancashire police for protecting my family which allowed me to carry on with my parliamentary duties, and the Crown Prosecution Service for delivering these racist extremists to justice.
"Colleagues, to this day I have no answer for my nine-year-old daughter who still asks: why?
"Yet in this chamber sits one MEP who at the time offered these racists any help he could offer them as an MEP.
"Be sure of one thing - we will not cower in the face of your thuggery. You and your sort will never divide us. We will stand united and face you. Today I speak not only for this house but for every right thinking citizen of my country and Europe."