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A message dripping in hate

Saturday, November 22, 2008, 07:00

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THE words are chilling, the message sinister, the language uncompromising, and the intent horrifically clear. But what is most worrying for people in Plymouth and beyond is what prompted a 22-year-old man who grew up on the close-knit streets of Stonehouse to write such a diatribe of hate against his fellow citizens. The details of the suicide note found at the city home of terror bomber Nicky Reilly, which emerged at the Old Bailey yesterday, have added a dark and disturbing new twist to an episode which is already deeply concerning. This printed message – which presumably the man who changed his name to Mohamad Abdulaziz Rashid Saeed-Alim intended to be his epitaph, had his attempt to detonate explosives succeeded – drips with hatred and disgust of the society in which he grew up. For someone raised near Union Street, and who may have witnessed the worst excesses of some of those who frequent the clubland strip, the letter represents a shocking summary of what he found so objectionable about the West.

Some people who despair of yob behaviour may find it possible to relate to his reference that "When you are getting drunk on Friday and Saturday night your behaviour is worse than animals". But the giant leap which took Reilly from that stance to attempting to wage war on innocent people defies comprehension for most of us. Reilly's note is terrifying, and one cannot help but think that he has been preyed upon. Whether or not that was by extremist individuals or websites is not yet clear. Nevertheless, the latest revelations are deeply worrying for us all.

WHAT a week this has been for showing what wonderful, enterprising and gifted young people we have in Plymouth. The Herald Youth Awards on Thursday showcased the youngsters who are doing wonderful work in a huge range of spheres. Tonight is the turn for other talented young people to step into the spotlight for the final of The Herald's South West Under-18s Battle of the Bands. Whoever wins, the event will provide all those taking part with an experience they will never forget. Events like these show there is much more to teenagers than some think – which is why The Herald is proud to play a part in showing the cream of Plymouth's young people in such a positive and praiseworthy light.

 

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