LONDON (AFP) – A book of condolence for Kenneth Bigley, the first British hostage to be executed in Iraq (news – web sites), has been stolen from the main mosque in Birmingham.
The book was opened at Birmingham Central Mosque on Saturday, a day after Bigley’s family had confirmed his execution at the hands of the Tawhid wal Jihad (Unity and Holy War) group after three weeks in captivity.
Mohammed Naseem, chairman of the mosque, said the book was discovered stolen on Sunday, along with a photograph of the 62-year-old engineer, candles and some sympathy cards.
“They are sick people,” said Naseem, referring to the thieves. “We don’t know who’s done it and I can’t put a motive on it. It’s very distressing for us and undoubtedly for Mr Bigley’s family.”
A new book of condolence has been opened at the mosque and will be kept safe in the mosque office before being sent to Bigley’s family in Liverpool.
Earlier this year, a book of condolence for victims of the Madrid train bombings was stolen from the same mosque.
It had been signed by nearly 2,000 Muslims and religious leaders, and was to have been sent to Spai