Murdered student ‘was worried about racism’
Published: Thursday, 28 August, 2008, 01:18 AM Doha Time
By Nour Abuzant
Mohamed al-Majed’s body being taken to the Abu Hamour graveyard for burial yesterday. PICTURE: Ehab
TRAGIC schoolboy Mohamed al-Majed told his parents that he feared for his safety – two weeks before he lost his life in a gang attack in the UK.
Speaking to Gulf Times, Mohamed’s older brother said: “He frequently called us to say there was mounting racism in the area and he often heard racist remarks. A fortnight ago he called our parents to say he was concerned and he talked about moving to another town.”
Mohamed, who had ambitions to join the military, died from severe head injuries on Sunday, August 24, two days after he and his friends were set upon by a gang of drunken yobs in the coastal town of Hastings.
The body of the 16-year-old, who was studying at the EF International Language School, was flown home yesterday for burial.
Speaking inside the family’s ‘condolence tent’, Mohamed’s visibly distraught father said: “I paid money to send my son to study English, but instead he returned in a coffin.”
He added that no amount of money could compensate him for the loss of his “promising son” and that he must accept the will of God.
“It is the destiny of my son,” he said. “It is the desire of God and I must respect it.”
Tens of mourners gathered to pay their respects yesterday to the boy described as “a brother to everyone”.
Among them was Abdullah, a 16-year-old maternal cousin who was with his relative the night he was fatally injured.
Looking shocked and exhausted from the ordeal, the teenager said his cousin was the innocent victim of a kebab shop fight between a South African resident and a gang of British youths.
He explained: “The scuffle moved outside of the restaurant and it seemed one of the lads involved thought Mohamed was taking the side of the African. He punched him in the face once and he fell, hitting his head on the edge of the pavement.
“I will remember this lad for the rest of my life – and I could pick him out of a parade millions.”
At first Abdullah believed his cousin had suffered only minor injuries, but the extent of the head wound soon became apparent when the teenager “started to utter words I could not understand”.
Abdullah is also adamant that if police and medical professionals had realised how badly Mohamed had been injured and acted accordingly the youngster might still be alive today.
He said: “The police who originally came to break up the fight found Mohamed lying on the floor. They put him inside their vehicle and I was kept away for half an hour.”
According to Abdullah, it took British police three hours to get the dying youngster to hospital, followed by a three-hour wait for head X-rays. Mohamed was then transferred to a London hospital for specialised treatment – after a 15-hour delay because of a lack of beds.
“The next morning it was clear that the matter was much more serious than I thought,” said Abdullah.
On Saturday, Mohamed’s father was informed of the tragedy and flew from Saudi Arabia to London to be with his son. He reached London along with Mohamed’s maternal uncle early on Sunday. Heartbreakingly, the injured youngster was shouting with pain and unable to recognise his father. Hospital staff advised the family to get a little sleep – only to wake them with the news that Mohamed had passed away.
A post-mortem found that the lively teenager – with a fondness for diving – had suffered a skull fracture.
As well as being critical of the medical care provided in the UK, Mohamed’s family have questioned the responsibility of the ‘host family’ who had allowed a 16-year-old boy to be out close to midnight.
Mohamed was one of five children – he had three brothers and one sister.
His eldest brother told Gulf Times that the teenager had been very ambitious and travelled to the UK to improve his English and “not repeat the weakness of his brothers” who had shown no flair for the language.
Another brother, aged 12, added: “I cannot imagine that Mohamed has passed away. It will take a long time before I can absorb that as a fact.”
SheDBabe said
Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajioon ...May Allah grant brother Mohamed al-Majed Jannatul firdouse..May he be of the martyrs..Aameen!
tallg said
Seems there are now several ...Seems there are now several different versions of how the incident occurred.
His cousin (who was there) doesn't mention anything about it being a racist attack in his version of events.
TweetyBird said
It's awful regardless of the ...It's awful regardless of the number of versions that are floating around. I'm sure it doesn't make any difference to the boy's parents. As the mother of a 16 year old boy, my heart and prayers go out to the family. I can't even begin to imagine the pain they must be feeling and I hope that I never do.
Doctora said
Amen ...Amen
tallg said
Yes of course Tweety. I just ...Yes of course Tweety. I just find it odd there have been so many different accounts. A couple of days ago his mother said his head had been repeatedly smashed into the pavement.
Gypsy said
I have to agree with the ...I have to agree with the parents though, what was the boy doing out in Hastings at midnight!
Visit www.qatarhappening.com
TweetyBird said
Tallg - you know how that ...Tallg - you know how that goes. Everytime the story is told it will change but the result is still the same. A young boy lost his life needlessly.
Gypsy - I know what you mean. What was he doing out so late? Why did his guardians allow it?
Doctora - this was a parents worse nightmare for sure.
Doctora said
the kid was out eating in ...the kid was out eating in the kebab shop, but i know what you mean ? why did his Guardians let him go out so late ?? he's a kid...
vignale said
It doesn't matter what ...It doesn't matter what happened, the Boy was killed, not the only one- over the last month's several young people have been killed in London, the most Infamous one is probably of the Scandinavian girl that apparently was killed buy a Egyptian/Yemeni Billionaire son.
britexpat said
Doctora.. ...My son is seventeen and in boarding school near Hastings.. His curfew is 9:00 pm.. However, boys are boys and cannot always be cooped up. Every week or so, they are allowed to go to the town for Kebabs or drinks, but in a group and must be back before midnight..
As far as racism is concerned, YES IT EXISTS. I live in the UK and I believe the racism issue is being overblown.
However, I personally believe that this was a case of drunkeness and violent behaviour.
I am very saddened by this case and feel very sorry for this family. I would feel the same if I were in their position, perhaps even more bitter. I was very heartened by the words of the father. As a parent who worries constantly about his son, I know what he must be going through. I pray for his family to find peace in this life and may Mohammed rest in peace in Jannat.
Supernurse said
aaahhh, now you see the ...aaahhh, now you see the beauty of this country..it stinks and I would advise that if anyone fancies a trip to good old England to think seriously......watch Sky news for a bit...the place is a disgrace and I'm embarrassed to be called British!
Doctora said
you're right britexpat annd ...you're right britexpat annd supernurse
heero_yuy2 said
And here I was, Supernurse ......convinced by Mr. Paul to get a British passport and now I'm going to pull back the opportunity coz of the incident. LOL
"Everything in this book may be wrong." Illusions: The Adventures of The Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach
a merry can muslim said
Why do these students go to ...Why do these students go to Hastings?
I could understand them doing their schooling a place like Birmingham where they can blend in and perhaps have safety in larger numbers... Even though B'ham is a dump....
They call it the American dream because you have to be asleep to see it... --George Carlin
QT said
B'ham is not a dump! Just colourfully decorated with graffiti! ...Please, I have two homes there!
I don't want the international value to depreciate!
UkEngQatar said
Shocked ...I am in London at present and amazed that the amount of coverage in the news here, Also on the same night a 18 year old youth got stabbed to death in East London not far from where I am staying.
Reading the version posted on QL is a bit different to what has been published in the press here. Anyway it was unfortunate event and my since feelings goes out to the family of the young Lad. May he rest in peace. Amen
-----------------
HE WHO DARES WINS
a merry can muslim said
Ok QT.... 90% of B'ham is a ...Ok QT.... 90% of B'ham is a dump... I will be fair and admit that there are few good areas close to Solihull and in the west part of the city.... happy?!
They call it the American dream because you have to be asleep to see it... --George Carlin
tallg said
Birmingham rocks! I spent 4 ...Birmingham rocks! I spent 4 of the best years of my life there. You just have to avoid the slightly dodgier areas.
MagicDragon said
THE United Kingdom ...THE United Kingdom officially apologised yesterday for the tragic murder of Qatari student Mohamed al-Majed saying it was a horrible isolated incident.
The British Ambassador to Qatar, John Hawkins, met Mohamed’s family members at the condolence tent to update them on the investigations.
He told reporters that “Britain prides itself on the fact that hundreds of thousands of people from this region visit the United Kingdom every year. The vast majority of the visitors tell us that they really enjoy their visits and find our country and people to be open and welcoming.
“This, if anything, makes us even more appalled by what happened to Mohamed al-Majed. We are sad and very sorry that this could happen in our country.
“It is this message of shock, sorrow and deep regret that I have passed on today to Mohamed al-Majed’s family on behalf of British government, my colleagues at the British embassy in Doha and the British community in Qatar.”
Expressing his sincere condolences to Mohamed’s family the ambassador said: “I am very grateful to his family for receiving me so graciously.”
Replying to a Gulf Times query on a report that Qatari students’ families had asked their wards to return, the ambassador said: “It is their decision. But it obvious that it was an isolated incident that we feel sorry it occurred in our country.”
There are 60mn people living in our country and you do not expect all of them to be decent, Hawkins said.
Earlier, ministers, businessmen and high officials visited the tent to offer their condolences.
Doctora said
Good gesture ...Good gesture from the Ambassador and the British government
a merry can muslim said
Talig 50% of the city is ...Talig 50% of the city is officially designated as dodgy.....
The other 40% is bordering the dodgy areas so they are officially questionable...
And 10% borders questionable areas so they are classified as okay....
Per the B'ham city council... =)
They call it the American dream because you have to be asleep to see it... --George Carlin
QT said
Thanks A Merry Can Muslim, I'm ok! I live in Edgbaston! :-) ......part of the 10% nice areas. Phew!
Saying that, I really don't think the city is that bad at all! It is after all Englands second city!
britexpat said
In the last ten years, ...In the last ten years, Birmingham has had a major face lift.. I would say its 70:30 for the good bits
a merry can muslim said
LOL... You have been away to ...LOL... You have been away to long Brit...
I do believe it has gotten better... That's why I gave a 10% ok area.... This place belongs in Romania... (no offense Drac.)
They call it the American dream because you have to be asleep to see it... --George Carlin
a merry can muslim said
Don't get me wrong the Bull ...Don't get me wrong the Bull Ring and New Street are World class shopping centers but the rest of the city is a hole... Especially in the East, South and North...
They call it the American dream because you have to be asleep to see it... --George Carlin
QT said
That's extremely harsh A Merry Can Muslim, & completely wrong ......you missed out the west! It's a dump too! :-P
but then saying that, so are all cities in the world.
a merry can muslim said
Qt, you haven't traveled ...Qt, you haven't traveled enough then... I have seen some amazing cities in my travels...
I have lived all through out western Europe for the past 9.5 years and Birmingham is positively the worst place I have lived in.
I almost feel bad because it has given me a negative outlook on the whole of England... Although I admit that it is unfair of me...
They call it the American dream because you have to be asleep to see it... --George Carlin
tallg said
Geez a merry can, you're a ...Geez a merry can, you're a bit harsh. Try and consider those of us who like the place. I can't believe you hate it that much. As I said, I had four of the best years of my life there and loved the city. Guess you have to make the best of it to appreciate it.
Platao36 said
I advise folks to visit ...I advise folks to visit Lisbon (Portugal), lots of monuments, several buildings arabian style and we have at least 2 mosques at the city, in case any muslim brother needs to pray ;)
Only God Can Judge Me
الله فقط يمكنه محاكمتي
I am you and you are me, if you love i love, if you suffer i suffer
أنا أنت, و أنت أنا, إذا أحببت نفسك أحببت نفسي, إذا عانيتَ عانيتُ
a merry can muslim said
Talig, consider you for ...Talig, consider you for what? An award for seeing through the grime and viewing B'ham as a great city? =)
Believe it man, I truly do. My call to leave will come any day now, inshaAllaah.
Where did you live in B'ham Talig? What were you going to univerisity here?
But really, back to my earlier point. Why do these kids go to Hastings? Wouldn't B'ham be a better place for them? Hasting probably is more scenic but at least they would have safety in numbers here in B'ham...
They call it the American dream because you have to be asleep to see it... --George Carlin
QT said
I'm sorry that you're experience of my home town is bad ...but, trust me, I've done my share fair of travelling, and on the scale of things, Birmingham is still the heart of the England!
Supernurse said
ehhh, Brum is great! They ...ehhh, Brum is great! They have fantastic nightlife and I've only seen one stabbing there on the new so its not all bad....
QT said
Thanks Supernurse, Brum is great, & yes only one stabbing ......and 7 shootings in the last 5 years! :-P
Saying that though, Brum is big and the gangsters only kill their own! Very limited racism! ;-)
Supernurse said
I love Brum, I was out on ...I love Brum, I was out on the town every Saturday there, a few years ago......wahey!
britexpat said
QT.. ...Went there a few times to watch Villa play..
I don't recall the shootings.. Anyway, I doubt whether you or Abu would frequent those areas in the first place... Would you ?
princess habibah said
Not Unless small heath is ...Not Unless small heath is one of those areas?
Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi
QT said
HeyBrit, i'm there all the time ...Like I said, they usually only kill their own!
I'm more scared of the Asian/Oriental Triads!
QT said
I love small Heath, so many friends there! ......and so many lovely sweet shops!
Just like Soho Road! Marvelous! The world should learn such multi-culturalism
princess habibah said
I admit it is the multi ...I admit it is the multi culturalism I love about such areas. It feels wonderful to walk down the street with all shades of man.
Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi
britexpat said
QT.. ...Try Wilmslow Road in Manchester...
Great food and great atmosphere..
QT said
BritExpat, I'm scared at the crime in the north! ...The furthest I travel by car is Dudley!
I don't mind catching a plan to Edinburgh, but that's about it in the UK.
a merry can muslim said
No, I agree areas like Small ...No, I agree areas like Small Heath are fantastic in that there is such a multiethnic and multinational makeup. But c'mon the place is a hole.....
And there have been 3 shooting this summer in B'ham and a drive by on the Belgrave Middleway... let alone the stabbings...
They call it the American dream because you have to be asleep to see it... --George Carlin
a merry can muslim said
Which areas are u referring ...Which areas are u referring to Brit?
They call it the American dream because you have to be asleep to see it... --George Carlin
britexpat said
QT. ...One of my sons studies at Manchester.. I often tell him to be careful.. He says he knows which areas to go and which to avoid..
a merry can muslim said
No me and Abu never ...No me and Abu never frequented Manchester....
They call it the American dream because you have to be asleep to see it... --George Carlin
britexpat said
You guys are missing one of ...You guys are missing one of the best cities in Britain.. It has it all...
a merry can muslim said
Except any good football ...Except any good football clubs....
They call it the American dream because you have to be asleep to see it... --George Carlin
princess habibah said
I agree about manchester. It ...I agree about manchester. It is an up and coming city by british standards. Is it didsbury area that is multicultural and safe as well?
Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi
Supernurse said
'British standards'....are ...'British standards'....are there any?
koolkat said
This is so very sad.I pray ...This is so very sad.I pray God be with this family at a time like dis and may the soul of the lad rest in perfect peace.Amen.
princess habibah said
lol good point supernurse! ...lol good point supernurse! LOL
You must really love your country to hide it so well!
Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi
britexpat said
SuperNurse.. ...Why the negative vibes today ??
princess habibah said
I thought they were more ...I thought they were more positive then usual britexpat!
Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi
Scotiabank said
I like the UK a lot, this ...I like the UK a lot, this was an unfortunate incident but it still won't stop me from going there.
qatari blood said
all the world think ...
all the world think that we are the terrorist
did you ever been BEATEN TO DEATH or treated with disrespect in our countries?
did you ever been ignored by the police or left to die in one of our hospitals?
did our country's army arrest,torture and killed your people?
did any Qatari discriminate you for your race or religion?
and yet we are the terrorist!!!!!!!!!
wongqatar said
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Thanks
WongQatar