Peterborough: Panel Considering Imam Allegations

27 September 2012, 12:38 | Updated: 27 September 2012, 12:41

A community panel made-up of people from both in and outside the local muslim community in Peterborough have met to consider the case of a city Imam who was said to have discussed the possibility of marrying off a 12 year-old girl.

An independent panel of cross-community experts has held its first meeting and is now considering the case of the Husaini Islamic Centre imam, Mohamed Kassamali, following comments made about the possibility of underage marriage reported in The Sunday Times newspaper (9th September).

The seven panellists include a former senior police officer and specialist in child protection; a high-profile Islamic scholar and interfaith specialist from the Muslim Council of Britain; an Arabic & Islamic specialist and educationalist; a former broadcsating head of religion; a local social worker; and a local human rights lawyer. 

They will consider all aspects surrounding the case, and the Husaini Islamic Centre have told Heart the panel will "Make their recommendations to the management committee of the Centre in the coming weeks."

Cambridgeshire Police have also confirmed that following a voluntary interview with Mr Kassamali, no further police action is to be taken.