Peterborough pays tribute to people killed in Tunisia with minute’s silence

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Peterborough joined the Queen, Prime Minister David Cameron, and the rest of the country in paying its respects to the people murdered in Tunisia.

A minute’s silence was held at noon today (Friday, July 3) in Cathedral Square with dozens of people turning out despite the short notice.

The attack on a Tunisian beach a week ago saw 38 people killed, including 30 Britons.

Peterborough resident Shirley Church, from Thorney, was seriously injured in the attack after going on holiday with husband Joe to the Port El Kantaoui resort.

Mayor of Peterborough, Councillor John Peach, addressed the crowd at Cathedral Square before a prayer was said by Reverend Greg Roberts.

He said: “We are horrified by the violence in so many parts of our world. Have mercy on those who mourn their loved ones in Tunisia.”

A book of condolence has been left open at Town Hall in Bridge Street and prayers are being held at mosques across the city.

Stanley Kaye from Holme, who has been planting poppies around the world, was in attendance for the minute’s silence.

He said: “I came here to pay my respects. We remember our troops every year and we need to remember these people and show the people that murder that we are all together.”

Cllr Peach said: “I was honoured to be invited to take park. I am pleased the city council organised this event.”

The muslim community was well represented at the minute’s silence, with leaders condemning the violence which has taken place in Tunisia, as well as France and Kuwait.

Raza Rahim, chairman of the Burton Street Mosque, said: “I considered this gathering one of the most important to give a clear message for those pursuing this ideology.

“Islam is a religion of peace and we should express that. We are having special prayers for all the victims of terrorism.

“I want to remember all the victims of terrorism and pray for peace today.”

Faisal Mahmood, chairman of the Khadijah Mosque, said: “It’s important to show that we are against terrorism. It affects muslims and non-muslims and does not recognise religion.

“It’s important we as a community stick together on this issue and send a message that we are against this.

“We are addressing this issue at sermons and saying it is completely forbidden in Islam.”

Naeem Mian, from the Peterborough branch of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, said: “We unequivocally condemn the actions of the terrorists who are hell-bent on striking fear and causing bloodshed.

“They are the enemy of humanity and they defile the name of Islam by purporting to act in its name.

“They are in fact the complete antithesis of faith and their organisation and supporters must face the full force of the law.

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the innocent victims of the Tunisia atrocity.

“May God grant comfort and peace to their families in this most difficult time. We stand united with all who seek to promote peace and an end to suffering.”

 

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