The young man’s father confesses “horrified” by the events and admits that the ongoing investigation forces him to “keep silent”
The investigation carried out by the British Police for the murder of Conservative MP David Amess, last Friday, focuses on determining the connections with terrorism of the 25-year-old who was arrested immediately after the events. Although investigators maintain discretion, ‘The Sunday Times’ was able to confirm this Sunday that it is the British citizen of Somali origin Ali Harbi Hali, as confirmed by his father, Harbi Ali Kullane, in statements to the Sunday.
“Right now we are going through a horrible and unprecedented situation,” Harbi Ali Kullane, who was an advisor to former Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire (February 2017-July 2020), told Reuters before taking refuge with his family in United Kingdom. During his participation in that government he was director of the Department of Communication and Media.
On the day of the crime, the young man traveled by train the 80 kilometers that separate his home, in north London, and the place of the murder, Leigh-on-Sea. After stabbing David Amess 17 times, he waited for the arrival of the police sitting – “with the gaze of a dead man”, according to a witness – next to the body of his victim. The father admitted that “due to the ongoing initial investigation, I am obligated and ordered not to discuss it.”
Ali Harbi Hali reportedly rejected the right to remain silent after his arrest. Although his name was registered in the Prevent program, in which teachers, fellow students or neighbors report on people who speak out in favor of violence, he was not monitored by the security services. Different media suggest that the alleged murderer would have radicalized on internet sites during confinement.
Local aides of the deceased deputy claim that Ali Harbi Hali turned up unannounced at the church where Amess received residents from his constituency. Others say he booked the appointment a week in advance. It was enough for him to give his name and surname to two assistants to enter what British politicians call ‘surgery’ and that can be translated as a query.
This circumstance has led the British Government to order an evaluation of the security of the 650 deputies. The Interior Minister, Priti Pattel, wants to take advantage of the reopening of Parliament this Monday to debate possible changes that increase the security of legislators.
The deputy’s family asks for unity and tolerance to the British
David Amess’ family on Sunday urged people to be tolerant regardless of race, religious or political beliefs. “Whatever the race, religion or political position of each, be tolerant and try to understand,” they said in a statement issued through the London Police. After acknowledging that they were “absolutely devastated”, they asked the citizens for “unity”. Amess, 69, was married with four daughters and a son who described him as “a wonderful and inspiring man.”
The relatives thanked “the tributes that have been offered to David after his cruel and violent death.” The tributes will be transferred this afternoon to Parliament, which will begin its session with a minute of silence. The deputies may then take the floor to pay tribute to him. The deceased participated in the meetings of the Commons since 1983. After the speeches, the legislators will parade in procession towards the church of St Margaret. There, next to Westminster Abbey, a mass will be celebrated.
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