MEDIA STATEMENT

30^th July 2025

Response to misleading claims made by Richard Tice MP

Muslim Women’s Network UK (MWNUK) welcomes the guilty verdict in the case of Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, who was convicted of assaulting police officers at Manchester Airport in July 2024. We firmly believe that those who commit violent offences must be held accountable and face appropriate legal consequences.

However, we are deeply concerned by misleading claims made by Richard Tice MP on social media, suggesting that MWNUK—or our CEO, Baroness Shaista Gohir—defended Mr Amaaz’s actions. These assertions are a misrepresentation of our original statement. Our media response, dated 25^th July 2024, did not comment on Mr Amaaz’s alleged criminal conduct at the time. Rather, it raised legitimate concerns regarding the conduct of a police officer after Mr Amaaz had already been arrested, tasered, subdued, and was lying face-down. At that point, video footage circulating publicly appeared to show the police officer kicking Mr Amaaz in the face and stamping on his head. This level of force raised questions about whether Article 3 of the Human Rights Act had been breached, which protects everyone—including those in custody—from inhumane treatment.

MWNUK CEO Baroness Gohir said: “My remarks were grounded in principles of human rights and accountability—not in any defence of criminal behaviour. Given longstanding concerns about the disproportionate use of force against ethnic minorities, it is both appropriate and necessary to scrutinise police conduct, especially when a person is already restrained and poses no ongoing threat. I hope Mr Tice will withdraw his misleading comments and strive to engage in respectful, fact-based discussion that reflects the full picture. In times of heightened community tension, it is deeply irresponsible for public figures to spread misinformation and risk fuelling division and distrust.”

MWNUK also recognises the difficult and often dangerous circumstances in which police officers operate, including during this incident and the riots of summer 2024, where officers were also attacked. Nonetheless, maintaining public trust in policing requires consistent transparency and accountability. Upholding high professional standards is critical—especially since police are trained to manage such high-pressure situations with restraint and professionalism.

It is also important to acknowledge the troubling inconsistency over when support is expressed for the police: defending their actions when unnecessary force is used against an ethnic minority individual already under arrest, yet attacking the police when they protect ethnic minority communities during race-related unrest. The inconsistency in expressing concern erodes the credibility of those in public office.

Additional Information

Media enquiries can be directed to: contact@mwnuk.co.uk or 0121- 2369000 / Muslim Women’s Network UK is a national charity advancing social justice for Muslim women and girls. More information can be found on its website: www.mwnuk.co.uk