Brother of Lee Rigby's killer blames life sentence on judge's 'hatred of Islam'
THE brother of one of soldier Lee Rigby’s murderers sparked fury yesterday by blaming his “whole life sentence” on a hatred of Islam.
In a BBC interview, Jeremiah Adebolajo claimed the judge bowed to public pressure when ruling his brother Michael should die behind bars.
Muslim convert Jeremiah, 27, also said the murderer would lead
a productive life with his family if he was set free. His comments triggered fury, with campaigners attacking the BBC for allowing him to spout his bizarre views on air.
Jeremiah, asked on BBC Radio 5 Live if he believed his brother’s sentence was based on anti-Muslim sentiment, replied: “Yes.”
He added: “I believe [the judge] was simply giving the public what they wanted.”
Muslim fanatics Adebolajo, 29, and pal Michael Adebowale, 22, butchered dad-of one Lee, 25, in front of horrified onlookers as he walked to his barracks in Woolwich, south-east London last May.
Adebolajo was caged for the rest of his life and Adebowale must spend 40 years in jail before being considered for release.
David Hines, from the National Victims’ Association, fumed: “To suggest Islamophobia came into the sentencing of these men is absolute nonsense.
“Judges in this country don’t bow to public pressure. If he had in this case he would have sentenced them to hang.”
OUTRAGE: The brother of Lee's killer says the judge involved in the case hated Islam [CENTRAL NEWS/BARCROFT]
“To suggest Islamophobia came into the sentencing of these men is absolute nonsense”
David Hines, from the National Victims’ Association
Mr Hines added: “We have to ask why these people get the chance to air their opinions in the first place. ”
The interview also provoked a storm on Twitter with one user posting: “Why give this family any air time at all.
“They should not be given a platform to spout their extremist views.”
In the BBC interview with presenter Victoria Derbyshire, Jeremiah was also asked if his brother should ever be released.
He said: “I believe my brother would lead a very productive life were he to be released.
“Were he to be rehabilitated I think he would lead a productive life.
“I think it’s important not to forget that he has young children himself.”
But Mr Hines blasted back: “He will never be rehabilitated and no way he should be released.
“To think he could lead a productive life is plain wrong.”