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Islamic Human Rights Commission
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3 August 2009
 
PRESS RELEASE: UK – IHRC expresses concerns over government legislation denying immigrants right to freedom of expression
 
The Islamic Human Rights Commission is deeply concerned with today’s proposals which would see immigrants punished for expressing political dissent. Any immigrant who participates in anti-war demonstrations would be denied British citizenship.
 
The government’s proposals would restrict the most fundamental of British values and freedoms, particularly freedom of expression and the right to dissent. The right to be politically active and to freely express an opinion, whether supportive or contrary to government policy, should be encouraged rather than stifled.
 
IHRC worries that this could serve to alienate residents from participating in the political process and further stoke the flames of racism and xenophobia.  
 
IHRC Chair Massoud Shadjareh stated:
 
“The British government’s proposals to curtail freedom of expression and dissent go against the very essence of the British values that the government seeks to promote. We fear that the proposals are in danger of traversing into the vicinity of fascism. We call on the government to reconsider this pointless measure that only serves to divide communities and gives strength to racist discourses.”
 
For more information please contact the Press Office on (+44) 20 8904 4222 or (+44) 795822196, email: info@ihrc.org.[ENDS]
 
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The Islamic Human Rights Commission is an NGO in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
 
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