Posted on 10/29/2007 9:25:09 AM PDT by LibWhacker
Britain's first Muslim minister, Shahid Malik, says he is "deeply disappointed" that he was detained by airport security officials in America.
The international development minister was stopped and searched at Washington DC's Dulles airport after a series of meetings on tackling terrorism.
Mr Malik, MP for Dewsbury, West Yorks, had his hand luggage checked for explosives when returning to Heathrow.
He said the same thing happened to him at JFK airport in New York last year.
On that occasion he had been a keynote speaker at an event organised by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alongside the FBI and Muslim organisations, to talk about tackling extremism and defeating terrorism.
'Respect needed'
Mr Malik said he had received numerous apologies and assurances from the US authorities after that incident.
But he was again searched and detained by DHS officials on Sunday.
Mr Malik said two other Muslims were also detained.
"I am deeply disappointed," he said.
"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 USA 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 USA system does not inspire confidence."
I got frisked and question flying through airports in the US, UK, France, Hooand, Spain and Kuwait. Somehow my give a shit button dosen´t work.
just a wee bit o’ irony. LOL!!!!!!!!! I find this hilarious. Welcome to the “club” Mr. Muslim. I’m a white guy, and I get damned near strip searched every time I go through an airport. And I’m one of the GOOD GUYS. ROTF!
Inspires MY confidence! Maybe he LOOKED like a bombthrower
ROTFL ... good for DHS.
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