PRESS RELEASE     8 February 2006

We are deeply concerned by the behaviour of a minority of the individuals during the Friday 3rd February protests outside the Danish Embassy. We are particularly concerned about the messages displayed on the placards carried by them, some of which glorified terrorism especially the incidents of 7th July, whilst others advocated violence against the those responsible for publishing the caricatures portraying Prophet Mohammed PBUH as a terrorist. A few protesters were also seen hiding their faces behind masks, which was very disturbing and has caused fear and intimidation amongst the British public.

We recognise that the emotions were running high during the protests and the Police had their reasons for not intervening at that time however, we would support any future action taken by the Metropolitan Police or the Crown Prosecution Service as a result of analysing the behaviour of the individuals during the protests.

Dr Shaaz Mahboob a PBM spokesman said, "Majority of Muslims across the world felt offended by the cartoons and thought it was irresponsible of the Danish and other European newspapers to publish them. However relaying messages condoning violence against the newspaper editors and damaging embassies of Denmark and Norway is equally condemned by Progressive British Muslims".

NOTES TO EDITORS:

What is PBM:

PBM is a group of London based liberal minded Muslims who have decided to establish a platform to provide a voice for progressive British Muslims who feel unrepresented by the existing faith-based Muslim groups. We each have a cultural identity as Muslims that is important to us. We believe there is no single definitive version of Islam and that each individual must decide how best to live his or her life.

Who do we represent:

We do not purport to represent any particular group(s) of British Muslims. We speak only for ourselves but believe, based on our personal experiences, that we reflect the views of significant numbers of Muslims in Britain.

What is our purpose?

To articulate the views of those Muslims, who consider themselves to be British, integrated into mainstream society and who have a cultural identity as Muslims, in the mainstream media who feel unrepresented by the existing faith based organisations.

What do we not do:

We will not attack or denigrate other Muslim groups although we will promote our values in a positive and vigorous manner. We will not decide what is or is not Islamic. We are not Muslim scholars and do not feel qualified (or, believe it is appropriate) to judge others.

What is our aim:

To advocate:

1) PBM was launched on 10 November 2005 in the House of Commons to voice the views of progressive British Muslims who feel unrepresented by the existing faith based groups. The launch of the group was supported by cross party MPs and peers.

2) See website- www.pbm.org.uk

For further information, please email mail.pbm@gmail.com or enquiries@pbm.org.uk or contact Dr Shaaz Mahboob on (07884) 473491