Muslim volunteer at hospital suspended

9:31am Tuesday 25th September 2007

A MUSLIM has been suspended from his voluntary job at a hospital after police raised concerns.

British-born Usman Ali worked as a volunteer at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich, for more than a year and led Friday prayers for staff and patients.

The 30-year-old used to be a member of the now banned Al Muhajiroun group.

Mr Ali was also kicked out of the Greenwich Islamic Centre in Plumstead Road, for allegedly showing videos of planes crashing into the World Trade Center to children while chanting "God is great".

News Shopper featured Mr Ali in March last year when he criticised Muslims for joining the police.

The director of the mosque, Dr Tariq Abassi, said: "It was in the interests of the community to keep elements of extremism away from us, so we can flourish in peace and harmony."

A hospital spokesman said the trust had suspended Mr Ali on September 18 after concerns were raised by Met Police.

The Met would not give any information other than to confirm Mr Ali had not been charged with any offence.