Radicals could face treason charges
Islamic extremists who have voiced support for terrorism in the wake of the July 7th bomb attacks in London could face charges of treason, the attorney general’s office has said.
Lord Goldsmith and director of public prosecutions Ken Macdonald have discussed possible action that could be taken against three prominent radical clerics who have appeared on television in recent days, a spokeswoman said.
The attorney general’s office added that the Crown Prosecution Service’s (CPS) head of anti-terrorism will meet with Scotland Yard officers in the next few days to determine possible charges against Omar Bakri Mohammed, Abu Izzadeen and Abu Uzair.
Mr Mohammed, a London-based cleric for the now disbanded al-Muhajiroun group, told Channel 4 News that Muslims attacking British and American troops in Iraq should be praised.
Announcing new anti-terror measures on Friday, Tony Blair ruled that al-Muhajiroun’s successor organisation, the Secret Sect, would be outlawed.
It is possible that prosecutors may also investigate tapes made by an undercover Sunday Times reporter who alleges that he recorded members of the radical sect praising the July 7th bombers as “the fantastic four.”
Meanwhile, British-born Mr Izzadeen recently told Newsnight that last month’s bombings were “mujahideen activity” which would make people “wake up and smell the coffee”.
Mr Uzair, a former member of al-Muhajiroun, told the same programme that the September 11th attacks in the US were “magnificent”.
The attorney-general’s office said it was not yet clear whether there was enough evidence to bring charges against the extremist clerics, but said officials would be examining speeches and broadcast and published comments made by the men.
“The CPS head of counter-terrorism will be discussing issues which arise with officers from Scotland Yard in the coming days,” said a spokeswoman.
“No decision on charges has been made yet. The CPS will be looking at it to see if any offences have been committed.”
Possible charges which will be considered by public prosecutors include the common law offences of treason and incitement to treason.
