Mosque in Richmond Road, Gillingham, vandalised after Paris terror attacks
Published: 10:25, 30 November 2015
A mosque in Gillingham has been vandalised following the terrorist attacks in Paris.
The Nasir Mosque in Richmond Road had eggs and paint thrown at one of its entrances in the week after the deadly attacks on the French capital.
Imam Safeer Khan - who also had abuse hurled at him in the street - said the mosque has been very vocal in condemning extremists.
“The extremists are people who have no religion - no religion teaches violence. They are our enemies as much as they are to the rest of the world," he said.
“We are very vocal in condemning extremism. Our members have been writing in the press condemning extremism.”
Mr Khan has also been targeted himself.
VIDEO: Mosque vandalised following Paris attacks, Paavan Mohindru reports
He explained: “When I was coming back from work a chap was walking down the street and asked ‘are you happy with what you guys have done?’
“I told him, look, we condemn extremism and he said ‘you’re all the same.’
“After that we had a few incidents. We had a couple of people throwing eggs and a can of paint.
“Luckily the doors were closed and we have CCTV cameras but it was still something of concern and it did damage, obviously.”
Imam Khan said the police have been very helpful and the local community have been very supportive of the mosque.
He added: “Unfortunately there are people who paint everyone with the same brush.”
A police spokesman said: "Police are investigating an act of criminal damage that occurred shortly after 9pm on November 16.
"It is reported that paint was thrown over the door of a mosque in Medway Road, Gillingham.
"Inquiries are on-going."
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