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Islamic Human Rights Commission
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15 January 2007

PRESS RELEASE: Channel 4’s ‘Dispatches: Undercover Mosque’ another example of anti-Muslim hostility as discussed in forthcoming IHRC report

‘The British Media and Muslim Representation: The Ideology of Demonisation’ publication launch, London, UK, 26 January 2007

In what now seems to be a regular occurrence, IHRC notes its concern over tonight’s Channel 4’s Dispatches programme.

Tonight’s programme ‘exposes’ ‘intolerant’ preaching by various clerics in Birmingham and discusses this without context either to the Muslim community / ies, society at large or more specifically religious communities in the UK.

The usual litany of accusations from being against gay rights and women’s rights, as well as accusations regarding support for jihad, Osamah bin Laden, the Taliban and Muslim world domination are ranged at various people within the film. This ‘standard’ is used exclusively for Muslims and exemplifies the problems of inherent Islamophobia and racism within the mainstream media.

Prayers for the Israeli Defence Forces, as well as preaching that condemns homosexuality and could be considered anti-women as well as teachings that call into question loyalty to Britain as a state can be found in many British synagogues. Likewise other faith communities hold similar views, yet it is Muslim views that are continuously scrutinized.

IHRC’s forthcoming report ‘The British Media and Muslim Representation: The Ideology of Demonisation’ examines how persistent categorization of Muslims into narrow terms of (negative) discussion inheres in the British media. The report advocates a freer and fairer media that includes marginal and minority voices.

The report analyses TV News, film and literature and is published on 26th January 2007. Press wishing to attend the launch at the Foreign Press Association should contact the IHRC office on info@ihrc.org or (+44) 20 8904 4222. Please contact the office on the same numbers for PDF review copies, a summary and further information.

Islamic Human Rights Commission
PO Box 598
Wembley
HA9 7XH
United Kingdom

Telephone (+44) 20 8904 4222
Fax (+44) 20 8904 5183
Email: info@ihrc.org
Web: www.ihrc.org