Terrorist threatens councillor who gave evidence against him
A BIRMINGHAM Muslim councillor has stepped up security after receiving chilling threats from terrorist Humza Ali – after giving evidence against him at court.
Hodge Hill councillor Majid Mahmood has feared for his and his family’s safety after agreeing to appear as a prosecution witness in the case.
The Labour council cabinet member was warned to avoid public appearances, and council bosses have provided him with extra security during public meetings.
The court heard that Mr Mahmood, who is also a solicitor, was sent a series of threatening and abusive messages by Ali via social media sites. One, in Urdu and English, read: “Watch out. You nonbeliever. Rot in hell you pig.”
Another read: “You should leave democracy and accept Islam”.
The abuse peaked around the 2015 and 2016 spring elections when Councillor Mahmood was out campaigning in the community.
“This has been a very harrowing time for myself and my family,” he said. “I would like to place on record my thanks to West Midlands Police, the Crown Prosecution Service, my family, friends and the Labour Party for their support, especially during the last few weeks of the trial.”
In a message to the wider city he added: “Humza Ali is not representative of the Muslim community in Birmingham. His views are not condoned or supported by the vast majority of Muslims.”