(from the Coventry Citizen, Thursday 25 Sept)
"A youngster has been barred from his A-level studies after accessing Islamic websites while at school.
"Sixth-former Haroon Mota clashed with staff at Sidney Stringer School and Community College after viewing pictures of Osama bin Laden and Muslm news sites.
"The 17 year old admits that he broke rules, despite warnings from teachers, but claims that the ban is indicative of an anti-Islamic feeling at the school.
"His mother, Saheda Mota, said: 'If he had looked at pictures of George Bush, would he have been disciplined for that? I feel my son is being penalised for his investigative mind.'
"Haroon was repeatedly warned over his use of the school's computers, with the final offence leading to the school asking him to take the second year of his A-levels elsewhere.
"The maths, physics and chemistry student said: 'I just looke at the sites because I wanted to research the war on Iraq'
"Mrs Mota conceded: 'My son did on occasion watch news which showed someone being executed.
"'I understand that this is disturbing to watch, but people are seen being killed on television every day.'
"She added: 'We do not have a TV at home, so this was a way for Haroon to keep in touch with the world's media.'
"After Haroon was barred from his study at the end of last term he claims he was offered a reference to continue his studies elsewhere.
"He tried to enrol at Coundon Court School and Community College, but his application has been turned down.
"John Vickers, head teacher at Coundon Court said: 'We looked thoroughly into the whole situation and the offer was not made.'
"Mr Warrel, head of Sidney Stringer School and Community College, refused to comment, but has arranged to meet the family to discuss the matter."
"A youngster has been barred from his A-level studies after accessing Islamic websites while at school.
"Sixth-former Haroon Mota clashed with staff at Sidney Stringer School and Community College after viewing pictures of Osama bin Laden and Muslm news sites.
"The 17 year old admits that he broke rules, despite warnings from teachers, but claims that the ban is indicative of an anti-Islamic feeling at the school.
"His mother, Saheda Mota, said: 'If he had looked at pictures of George Bush, would he have been disciplined for that? I feel my son is being penalised for his investigative mind.'
"Haroon was repeatedly warned over his use of the school's computers, with the final offence leading to the school asking him to take the second year of his A-levels elsewhere.
"The maths, physics and chemistry student said: 'I just looke at the sites because I wanted to research the war on Iraq'
"Mrs Mota conceded: 'My son did on occasion watch news which showed someone being executed.
"'I understand that this is disturbing to watch, but people are seen being killed on television every day.'
"She added: 'We do not have a TV at home, so this was a way for Haroon to keep in touch with the world's media.'
"After Haroon was barred from his study at the end of last term he claims he was offered a reference to continue his studies elsewhere.
"He tried to enrol at Coundon Court School and Community College, but his application has been turned down.
"John Vickers, head teacher at Coundon Court said: 'We looked thoroughly into the whole situation and the offer was not made.'
"Mr Warrel, head of Sidney Stringer School and Community College, refused to comment, but has arranged to meet the family to discuss the matter."
