Yorkshire man remembered at anti-IS rally

VICTIMS OF the Islamic State terror group and other injustices around the world have been remembered in a peaceful demonstration in London.

Mike Haines, 51, who has campaigned for peace since his Yorkshire-born humanitarian worker brother David was beheaded by IS, told the largely Muslim crowd yesterday: “It is important that we react in a positive way against these hate-mongers.”

The event, which began in Hyde Park, was organised by grassroots Muslim groups to mark the religious festival of Ashura.

It is a time which carries key messages about the importance of justice, freedom and the idea there should be no justification of wrongdoing in the name of religion. Mr Haines spoke of how his younger brother was held captive for 18 months, beaten and tortured along with other hostages before being murdered on September 13, 2014.

His family’s trauma was deepened when his death was filmed and posted on the internet. Struggling to hold back tears, Mr Haines said: “I mourn my brother every day.

“However, he knew the risks of being a humanitarian worker. He and my family accepted those risks because he was doing important work, helping his fellow man regardless of creed, colour, race or religion.”

The retired mental health nurse from Dundee condemned the “truly disgusting atrocities” carried out by IS and others against innocent people. People of all ages, including families and children, were among those who took part, with some holding banners which read “Muslims condemn terrorism” and “180K imams have spoken against IS”.