I recently reconnected with a mother I had supported a few years ago. She shared that she had never forgotten the help Prevent Watch provided her. What she didn’t realise is that the feeling was mutual; I hadn’t forgotten her either. In fact, I often tell her story to empower others.
You may have heard the saying that there are two courts of justice; the court of law and the court of public opinion. But in this case, there was an unexpected third court: the court of the bathroom window.
When she first reached out to me, this mother was being relentlessly harassed by Prevent officers. Her son had been referred to Prevent, and they were pressuring her to consent to the supposedly voluntary “deradicalisation” programme, Channel.
The officers kept showing up at her front door unannounced, creating a sense of urgency, but never properly articulating their concerns about why her son should be placed on Channel.
After speaking with her and informing her of her rights, she was still anxious about the next visit. So I told her something simple yet unexpectedly powerful:
“You don’t have to keep engaging with them. Next time they show up, ask them to put their concerns in writing.”
It might sound simple, but for many, the fear of pushing back leads them to avoid asking for something as basic as written communication. She was nervous, unsure if this request would make any difference, but just days later, she called me back, elated.
“They came,” she said. “They knocked on my door while I was upstairs in the bathroom. So, I opened the bathroom window and told them to put their concerns in writing.”
The officers were confused. “What?” they asked.
“Can you write your concerns in an email or letter.” she said.
“You want us to write to you?” one officer said, bewildered.
“Yes,” she repeated. “Put your concerns in writing so I can make an informed decision.” Then, she shut the bathroom window.
And that was that.
It took some time, but eventually, Prevent sent a letter attempting to justify the need for Channel. As expected, there was a reason they didn’t want to put this in writing, and perhaps why it took so long, as when written down, their reasons seemed even more unfounded.
I often share her story, and when I do, I smile, knowing that this woman, from the comfort of her bathroom window, gave the ultimate two-finger salute to a system that sought to coerce and disrupt her family.
She didn’t need to open her door to entertain their tactics. She didn’t need to engage in their games. She just needed to ask for something basic: put it in writing. And in doing so, she stood tall against an unjust system.
This is a reminder that stories like hers can strengthen our hearts, as it says in the Qur’an: “We relate to you the best of stories, that We may strengthen your heart…” (Surah Yusuf, 12:3)
As we reflect this Ramadan, let us remember the power of stories – stories that not only strengthen our hearts but also fuel our commitment to justice, dignity, and the protection of families.
Your support allows us to continue empowering those who challenge injustice, and in every small victory, we are building a collective strength that will make a lasting impact.
Please consider supporting Prevent Watch today, and help us continue our vital work, one story at a time.
