Muslim groups set out concerns
The term ‘extremism’ is unhelpful and emotive in dealing with terrorism in Britain, leading Muslim groups in the UK have said.
The Islamic Human Rights Commission and the Muslim Association of Britain are among the signatories to a statement setting out some concerns about the government’s anti-terrorism proposals in the wake of the London bombings.
They describe plans to ban the non-violent group Hizb ut-Tahrir – which is a signatory to the statement – as “unwarranted, unjust and unwise”, and condemn the deportation of foreign nationals to countries know for their abuse of human rights.
In addition, the statement questions the arbitrary closure of mosques, saying it “may prevent legitimate political discourse in mosques, fuelling a radical sub-culture”.
It also insists those questioning the legitimacy of the Israeli occupation of Gaza and the West Bank have a right to their beliefs, as people around the world have a right to resist invasion and occupation.
