Wrong target? 1

I am a Muslim, a Dundee University law student and also a proud Scot. I am shocked at the impact that the Special Branch has had on the community ("Police forge links with Dundee Muslims", October 20).

It is a major worry that the rights of Muslims are being infringed in Dundee. As if being visited unexpectedly by Special Branch in your home is not daunting enough, Muslims are being questioned about their political opinions for "any signs of extremist activity". Many are too afraid to let their children attend youth groups for fear of being approached by police. Special Branch officers are turning up at just about every Muslim event in Dundee. I didn't realise that "good community relations" are established through intimidation.

Tayside Police are failing to deal with issues of drug abuse, crime and rape that are increasingly apparent in the city. As a citizen of Dundee, I see these as more of a threat than so-called terrorist groups.

Why does the Special Branch continue to target Muslims when it has stressed that "no evidence of extremism has been found in Dundee"?

Sumiya Hemsi
Dundee University