A CAMPAIGN has been launched to reinstate a school teacher who was suspended after he showed pupils a BBC documentary about Islamic State featuring decapitated soldiers.
Mansoor Mahmood, a religious education teacher at Gryffe High School in Houston, Renfrewshire, was reported to council bosses after a parent complained to the police.
It is understood the woman's daughter was one of a group of fourth-year pupils who were shown the 42-minute documentary which portrayed dead Iraqi soldiers.
The pupils were said to have been stunned by the footage, which also included images of soldiers' heads on spikes.
But one mother, who did not wish to be named, has described Mr Mahmood as "an absolute gem". Her daughter is a fifth year pupil at the school and has said she is "outraged" over the investigation into a "really good teacher".
Now, pupils from the school have launched two petitions to support Mr Mahmood, who started working at the school in August last year.
Renfrewshire Council confirmed that Mr Mahmood had been reported to the General Teaching Council for Scotland.
A spokesman for the authority said the video was used as part of a lesson about ongoing issues in the Middle East.
He said: "During a religious, moral and philosophical studies lesson, one fourth year class was shown a BBC narrated video about Islamic State.
"The clip was intended to provide pupils with an insight into the political and religious context in the Middle East as a basis for discussion.
"However following a complaint from a pupil, the material was reviewed and immediately withdrawn from use.
"No parents have complained to the school, however we value the opinion of our pupils and have acted accordingly."
Police were called to speak to staff at the school, but left after finding no criminal element to the single complaint.
Inspector Stevie Espie, of Johnstone Community Police, added: "We were made award of this incident last Wednesday, on March 4, after being contacted by a parent whose daughter attends Gryffe High School.
"Police attended and spoke to the school staff. We also watched the video but found nothing criminal in relation to this.
"The school are now progressing with the enquiry but we will not be investigating the incident any further as there was nothing untoward found."
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