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Islamic Human Rights Commission
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15 February 2006

Press Release: UK Terrorism Bill – Who will be prosecuted for glorifying terror and why?

In response to the House of Commons vote that saw the proposed offence of glorification of terrorism reinserted in to the proposed Terrorism Bill, IHRC Chair Massoud Shadjareh said:

“Notwithstanding our wide concerns about the entire proposed legislation and surrounding measures, the aspect of glorification stands out as a particularly disturbing facet of this Bill.

“Government spokespeople have throughout today assured critics that the likes of Cherie Booth would not be prosecuted for their comments on suicide bombers, or indeed those who celebrate and honour Nelson Mandela. This begs the question then as to exactly who will be targeted by this law and why. The answer seems to be again – as with all other recent anti-terrorism laws and measures – Muslims who will be targeted.

“Already Muslim dissent against oppression overseas has been curtailed in acclimate of fear and uncertainty. It is clear that should this offence make it into law that Muslims will be the first targets and this will include those who support legitimate liberation struggles as defined by international law be it in Palestine, Iraq, the Republic of Chechnya of the Russian Federation or elsewhere in the world. They may even be prosecuted for espousing the same sentiments as the Prime Minister’s wife, or feting figure who are no more or less ‘terrorists’ than Nelson Mandela.”

For more information please contact (+44) 20 8904 4222, or (44) 7958 522196 or email:info@ihrc.org.[ ENDS ]

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