British Muslim Minister Detained For The Second Time In US Airport

The first Muslim minister in Britain has been stopped and searched at an airport in the US after attending a series of meetings on tackling terrorism. Shahid Malik, the International Development Minister and MP for Dewsbury has expressed his annoyance at being singled out for the second time in the US.

Mr Malik and his two other Muslim passengers were taken aside at Dulles Airport in Washington DC and his hand luggage was analysed for traces of explosive materials. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) searched and detained Mr. Malik - the same department whose representatives had met with the Minister during his visit.

Mr Malik has said,

“After a few minutes a couple of other people were also taken to one side. We were all Muslims - the other two were black Muslims, both with Muslim names.”

The Minister is, understandably, very annoyed at this occurrence, especially as he was a keynote speaker at an event organised by the department along with the FBI and Muslim organisations in New York.

Malik has said he has received many apologies and assurances from the US authorities after the incident. After the detention, his second in the US, lasted 40 minutes, he said, “I am deeply disappointed. The abusive attitude I endured last November I forgot about and I forgave.

But I really do believe that British ministers and parliamentarians should be afforded the same respect and dignity at US airports that we would bestow upon our colleagues in the Senate and Congress. Obviously, there was no malice involved, but it has to be said that the US system does not inspire confidence.”

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