Muslim Excused From Israeli Embassy Duty
London police excused a Muslim officer from standing guard at the Israeli Embassy, but insisted that the decision was not based on personal beliefs.
The Sun newspaper reported that Alexander Omar Basha’s request was prompted by moral objections to Israel’s bombing of Lebanon. However, the police officers union said he expressed fears for the safety of family members in Lebanon.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Ian Blair ordered a review of the decision amid concern that the impartiality of the police force could be compromised.
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