Asad Shah murder accused claims responsibility for religious killing

From Scottish TV and the BBC

A man accused of murdering a shopkeeper has issued a statement claiming responsibility for the killing, saying it was religiously motivated.

Tanveer Ahmed, 32, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Wednesday charged with murdering Asad Shah outside his store in the south side of the city last month. Ahmed, of Bradford, made no plea or declaration but issued a statement through his lawyer following the private hearing,

Ahmed made no plea during the private court appearance and was remanded in custody.

The highly unusual statement was made through Mr Ahmed’s lawyer, John Rafferty after his second appearance at court before sheriff Brian Adair.

The statement given was: “My client Mr Tanveer Ahmed has specifically instructed me that today, 6 April 2016, to issue this statement to the press, the statement is in the words of my client.

“This all happened for one reason and no other issues and no other intentions.

“Asad Shah disrespected the messenger of Islam the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. Mr Shah claimed to be a Prophet.

“When 1400 years ago the Prophet of Islam Muhammad peace be upon him has clearly said that ‘I am the final messenger of Allah there is no more prophets or messengers from God Allah after me.

“‘I am leaving you the final Quran. There is no changes. It is the final book of Allah and this is the final completion of Islam. There is no more changes to it and no one has the right to claim to be a Prophet or to change the Quran or change Islam.’

“It is mentioned in the Quran that there is no doubt in this book no one has the right to disrespect the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and no one has the right to disrespect the Prophet of Islam Muhammad Peace be upon him.

“If I had not done this others would and there would have been more killing and violence in the world.

“I wish to make it clear that the incident was nothing at all to do with Christianity or any other religious beliefs even although I am a follower of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him I also love and respect Jesus Christ.”