Our courts must stand up to the Muslim who sits

[nero_bolt]

Magistrate Jacqueline Milledge was correct. Mohammed Issai Issaka was ”very disrespectful” in refusing to stand for her,

So she was wrong to not send him to the cells until he learned his manners.

Yes, credit to Milledge for at least challenging Issaka when he claimed this week his Muslim faith obliged him to stand for no person. Other magistrates and judges don’t.

But it is a pity it was a confrontation Isaaka won after half an hour.

Isaaka, charged over last year’s riot against an anti-Islamic YouTube video, had his defiance legitimised. He will inspire others who see Australian authorities as weak, and Islam as a powerful creed that justifies trampling on our laws and customs.

In this case the 44-year-old Lakemba immigrant trampled on a tradition – not law – of standing as a judge enters court.

This is not a mark of respect for the judge as a person. Isaaka was not, as he claimed, asked to stand for Ms Jacqueline Milledge.

He was asked to show respect for our rule of law – vital in turning individuals into a community, and tribes into a nation.

Does Isaaka understand that? He’s said to come from Africa. What does he think helped make Australia the safe and well-regulated haven that so many Africans and Muslims bust a gut to come to?

It is that we have laws which bind everyone, regardless of faith, color, wealth or place of birth. Equal protection under the law means we are judged on our merits, not identities.

This breaks down that dangerous temptation to play us-against-them games - to rob or bash Peter because he’s not in the tribe of Paul.

So it’s no surprise that Muslims who in the past refused to stand for our judges include some who feel so little duty to non-Muslim Australians that they plot to kill them.

In 2006, Melbourne preacher Abdul Nacer Benbrika refused to stand in his own trial, at which he was found guilty of leading a terrorist outfit.

In 2007, five Sydney men later found guilty of planning a terrorist bombing also refused to stand.

Other Muslims – determined to fit in – insist this refusal has no licence in the Koran.

“We should, as Australian Muslim citizens, respect the law of the land,” says the Lebanese Muslim Association.

So which Muslims would not show respect? Precisely those who feel none.

http://blogs.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/andrewbolt/index.php/dailytelegraph/comments/column_our_courts_must_stand_up_to_the_muslim_who_sits/

[i-need-a-martini]

I am not naming cultures, just so you can label me racist.  Lets hope you do not experience that happening to you but if you should then perhaps you may like to come on here and tell people how it made you feel azureline.  I was merely doing my job, and hadnt spoken to/seen this person prior to this event so do you think its acceptable I sit there and cop it?  He had abused another staff member- another female, do you think she should just have stood back and said nothing when he shoved his hand in her face?  Sorry but I am not going to stand for it.

Yes someone from our culture would know that is rude, and yes I did educate him.  And there should be more of it, the person in court should show respect to, whether he is muslim, asian,  black, white, *insert any race here*- we have our own culture and that also should be respected every bit as much as anyone elses

Is it cultural or is it arrogance. Certainly arrogance respects no borders.

Is it any different to a customer clicking his fingers at waiters in a restaurant and expecting prompt service? It's the epitome of bad manners and yet it is almost acceptable outside of the industry.

[i-need-a-martini]

And wasn't there a recent article in the paper about a young guy being charged with contempt of court for not standing in court? It was an assault case and he refused to stand up. The smirked his way through the courtcase while his mother hurled abuse at the victim.

He was an aussie by the way.

[the_great_she_elephant]

Because in his culture it ISNT such a rude thing to do, thats why!

How on earth do you know it isn't considered rude in his culture. Does everyone of that particular culture who comes into contact with you behave in the same way?

[cherry*135]

I am not a racist but....

People who say/write that usually follow with a racist comment.

[**meep**]

And wasn't there a recent article in the paper about a young guy being charged with contempt of court for not standing in court? It was an assault case and he refused to stand up. The smirked his way through the courtcase while his mother hurled abuse at the victim.

He was an aussie by the way.

Are you saying the man in the OP should have been charged with contempt of court? 

[i-need-a-martini]

Are you saying the man in the OP should have been charged with contempt of court? 

If that's the law then yes.

The case I mentioned above had a whole lot of other things happening.so the guy was probably charged because he was causing all sorts of other problems.

But if the law says he should stand in court and he hasn't then he should be charged. If he uses his religion as an excuse then it is up to him to prove that his religion says he can't stand up for anyone other than God.

[**meep**]

If that's the law then yes.

The case I mentioned above had a whole lot of other things happening.so the guy was probably charged because he was causing all sorts of other problems.

But if the law says he should stand in court and he hasn't then he should be charged. If he uses his religion as an excuse then it is up to him to prove that his religion says he can't stand up for anyone other than God.

His lawyer stated:  "I respect that (he) has beliefs and that he stuck by his beliefs, that's a matter for him."

and also

Muslim community leader Keysar Trad said Issaka's behaviour in court was typical of a "rigid interpretation" of Islam, which included a "firm belief you don't stand for anyone".

"You wouldn't even stand for the Prophet (Mohammed) if he were to walk in," he said.

Source: Peter Bodkin and Amy Dale The Daily Telegraph

If he has the right to observe his religious beliefs then it would have to be a valid reason???

[the_bob_delusion]

I'm almost tempted to make up my own religion to serve my own purpose. :8}

[margomeoz]

I think a lot of things are put down to religion that are not necessarily so,

I know a number of Muslims who stand up and greet me when I call on them just as you stand up and greet visitors when they come to your home.

People are all different no matter what culture they come from, some are rude, some funny, some happy some sad.

It seems to me this guy was one of the rude ones if nothing else he should have stood up for a lady even if he did not recognize her authority.

So if the law is you stand he broke it and should be charged accordingly.

[i-need-a-martini]

If he has the right to observe his religious beliefs then it would have to be a valid reason???

He only has a right to his religious beliefs if they are within the law. Same as everyone elses religions.

The Bible says you can take "an eye for an eye" but the law says you can't. So you practice your religion within the law.

Mormans can marry more than one wife but our laws say no. So they can't. So Mormans practice their religion in this country within the law.

Now if there ISN'T a law (and I have no idea if there is or isn't) that says he has to stand in front of a judge, then he can do what he pleases.