FOR many years, police interventions and raids towards Algerians and other ethnic minorities have displayed a prejudice and stereotype through the increasing wrong arrest of innocent people on pretext of the Terrorism Act
FOR many years, police interventions and raids towards Algerians and other ethnic minorities have displayed a prejudice and stereotype through the increasing wrong arrest of innocent people on pretext of the Terrorism Act ("Pope terror plot" cleaners accuse police over arrests", Gazette, September 23).
While the community is working hard towards reducing hatred, discrimination, preventing violent extremism and anti-social behaviour, these wrongful arrests are increasing hatred regarding the Algerian community.
This has raised anger within community member and leaders ask: why always us?
We are not against the UK national security and police powers to ensure our safety, but we should be treated equally. Such actions have damaged our efforts towards community integration and society cohesion.
This type of community harassment demoralises our community, makes it paranoid, and takes away our privacy and power. It drives us to the point where we feel isolated and lose trust and confidence in the police and authority.
The Arab Advice Bureau would like to suggest a change in attitude in those who may have mistakenly failed to appreciate the efforts the community are making to integrate - this is paramount. It is fundamental that this message gets through in order to build a better future for those concerned. - M.Nacer, Arab Advice Bureau, Algerian North African community, Seven Sisters Road, N4.
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