Asad Shah Murder Accused 'Admits' Killing

6 April 2016, 18:05

The man accused of killing Glasgow shopkeeper Asad Shah has allegedly taken responsibility.

Tanveer Ahmed's lawyer read a statement out on his behalf, during his client's second appearance in court.

As is normal at this stage in legal proceedings, Mr Ahmed didn't enter a plea, but his lawyer spoke on his behalf.

The statement said Asad Shah had disrespected the Prophet Muhammed and had claimed to be a prophet himself.

It went on, "If I hadn't done this, others would and there would have been more killing and violence in the world", and claimed the incident was nothing to do with Christianity or any other religious beliefs.

The statement read: "My client Mr Tanveer Ahmed has specifically instructed me today, 6 April 2016, to issue this statement to the press, the statement is in the words of my client.

"This all happened for one reason and no other issues and no other intentions.

"Asad Shah disrespected the messenger of Islam the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. Mr Shah claimed to be a Prophet.

"When 1400 years ago the Prophet of Islam Muhammad peace be upon him has clearly said that 'I am the final messenger of Allah there is no more prophets or messengers from God Allah after me. I am leaving you the final Quran. There is no changes. It is the final book of Allah and this is the final completion of Islam. There is no more changes to it and no one has the right to claim to be a Prophet or to change the Quran or change Islam.'

"It is mentioned in the Quran that there is no doubt in this book no one has the right to disrespect the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and no one has the right to disrespect the Prophet of Islam Muhammad Peace be upon him.

"If I had not done this others would and there would have been more killing and violence in the world.

"I wish to make it clear that the incident was nothing at all to do with Christianity or any other religious beliefs even although I am a follower of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him I also love and respect Jesus Christ."

The 32-year-old made no plea or declaration and has been remanded in custody.

Asad Shah was stabbed outside his store in Shawlands, on the south side of Glasgow, last month.

A fund to support the popular 40-year-old's family raised well over £100,000 in a matter of days.