World News - Funerals due for riot death men

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  • xman
    Admin
    • Sep 2006
    • 24007

    World News - Funerals due for riot death men

    18 August 2011 Last updated at 08:05 ET The funerals of three men knocked down and killed during riots in Birmingham will take place in the city later.

    Haroon Jahan, 21, Shazad Ali, 30, and Abdul Musavir, 31, were hit by a car as they protected stores from looters in Winson Green on 10 August.

    An open-air prayer event is due to take place at 15:00 BST in Summerfield Park, Winson Green, ahead of private burials.

    Four people are accused of their murders, including a 30-year-old man charged on Wednesday night.

    The men's deaths came amid mass rioting across England.

    Community prayers In other riot-related developments:


    The bodies of the three men from Birmingham were released to the families by Birmingham and Solihull coroner Aidan Cotter on Wednesday night.

    Following the deaths, Haroon's father Tariq Jahan urged the community to remain peaceful and united and his words were credited by police for preventing the spread of further tensions and disorder in the city.

    In a statement, the families of the men said they were expecting a large number of people to attend the funeral service and members of all communities and faiths were welcome.

    'Best of humanity' Atif Iqbal, from the multi faith group United Birmingham, said the three men had been acting "admirably" by protecting their community from vandals when they were hit.

    He said the number of people turning out show their respects would be testimony to the men's honour.

    "Tariq Jahan has become an inspiration for all of us because he really at that moment in time showed the best of humanity.

    "He wasn't angry, he wasn't shouting, no bitterness, he was a calming, reassuring voice and single handedly, there's no doubt about it, he brought peace and calm to the streets not only of Winson Green and Birmingham, but he had a profound impact nationally as well," Mr Iqbal said.

    Speeches will be made in the park by invited speakers from about 14:00 BST followed by the Janazah Prayer [funeral prayer] at about 15:00 BST.

    Police said there would be a "visible presence" of officers at the service.

    It will be followed by a private burial service in Handsworth Cemetery.

    Retailers in West Bromwich town centre, which was also targeted by looters, are planning to hold a two-minute silence at 11:00 BST on Friday as a mark of respect to the three victims.

    Sandwell Borough Council leader Darren Cooper said: "This is a wonderful idea, which will give ordinary people a chance to show their feelings and demonstrate their support and compassion for the victims and their families."

    Crimewatch riot special Mr Jahan described his relationship with his son as very close and said losing a family member was something no mother, father, son or sister should endure.

    Abdul Quddoos, brother of Shazad and Abdul, said they were "heroes of the moment" and would be missed.

    About 250 people attended a peaceful vigil in Dudley Road in Winson Green hours after the crash.

    Joshua Donald, 26, Adam King, 23, and a 17-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, have appeared in court in Birmingham charged with murdering the three men in the crash.

    Ian Beckford, 30, from Quinton, Birmingham, appeared before city magistrates earlier charged with murder.

    All four have been remanded in custody to appear at crown court in December.

    A special half-hour Crimewatch programme on Thursday will be dedicated to identifying looters in Birmingham and Wolverhampton.

    Crimewatch will be broadcast on BBC 1 from 20:00 BST on Thursday 18 August





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