Green Energy
Yvonne Ridley Urges Muslims to Stop Co-operating with Police
An activist from the Respect Party has urged Muslims in east London to stop co-operating with police.She has previously stated that "there is something rather repugnant about those who rush to renounce acts of terrorism"
Yvonne Ridley, who became a Muslim after her kidnap by the Taleban in Afghanistan five years ago, has accused the police of being heavy-handed.
She told a meeting of the Newham branch of the Respect Party that Muslims should "boycott" the Met Police.
She said: "From today until this terrorisation of the Muslim community is stopped immediately, I believe all Muslims should withdraw their support," she said.
"This goes from asking the community copper for directions to passing the time of day with a beat officer.
"We should enforce non-co-operation."
Speaking on Wednesday morning, Ms Ridley defended her comments.
"I called for zero tolerance with the Metropolitan Police, the force which has demonstrated time and time again its Islamophobic attitudes," she told BBC News.