| Hateland -
Articles |
20/05/02 - Ex-KKK man is back
in area which rejected him
South Wales Echo Cardiff, Wales
FORMER Ku Klux Klan man Alan Beshella has defied the
community that told him to keep out.
The 52-year-old was sentenced to three months' jail
in March for racially harassing shopkeeper Mohammed
Nawaz, 37, following the September 11 attacks in America.
But he is now back living in Tonna Road, Caerau, near
Maesteg, despite being warned by residents and a local
politician that he was not welcome. Mr Beshella told
the Echo that he did not wish to comment on his return.
After Mr Beshella's attack, Mr Nawaz said he, his wife
Nusrat and their three children would leave Caerau -
their home for almost 20 years.
But the community rallied round the family and at a
public meeting four weeks ago, organised by the Bridgend
Coalition Against Racism, Mr Nawaz declared that they
would not flee the area.
He told the packed meeting at the Noddfa Chapel, Caerau:
``I have been very frightened by what has happened.
But we have come to live with it now and I would like
to say thank you.''
Coalition secretary Jeff Hurford said: ``Here is a
considerable victory for the community where people
have stood up to intimidation and racism and not been
driven out of the valley.''
AM for Ogmore, Janice Gregory, added: ``There are no
laws that can stop him (Mr Beshella) returning to Caerau.
But if the community has rallied together now to support
the Nawaz family, one would hope the message would get
out that he is not welcome.''
Today Mr Nawaz told the Echo he had not seen Mr Beshella
since his return.
He added: ``I haven't had any more trouble from anyone.
The community has been behind me and at the moment we
are still staying here. But we will see what happens.
If things get rough we will move on.''
Jeff Hurford said he did not wish to comment on Mr Beshella's
return. |
| Contact : bernard.omahoney@bernardomahoney.com |
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