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September 2, 2005
Extremist on deportation list is linked to Islamic advice group
Topics: Dhimmitude
Muhammad al-Massari, an advisor to the Islamic Human Rights Commission - a group that is regularly consulted by the UK Home Office, has operated Al-Tajdeed Radio - which has close links with a website carrying films of terrorist bombings and beheadings. His station has also carried songs calling on Muslims to join the holy war against coalition forces - not exactly the kind of person you'd want associated with your advisors on Muslim affairs. But this doesn't seem to bother the Home Office:
A SAUDI dissident who is said to be at the top of the Government's list of extremists to be deported is an adviser to an Islamic group which is regularly consulted by the Home Office.Al-Massari lived has lived in London since first seeking asylum there in 1994, and yet has gotten away with frequently declaring that British troops in Iraq are legitimate targets. The TimesOnline 'UK' has called al-Massari "An unfunny clown," in writing that:
Muhammad al-Massari, who has been condemned by MPs from all parties for showing the murder of three British soldiers by an Iraqi suicide bomber on his website, is understood to be among the prominent radicals facing imminent arrest.
Government officials also knew that Dr al-Massari, 58, was involved in secret negotiations to help to free British hostages, including Kenneth Bigley, held in Iraq last year. Campaigners will use his role -- as an adviser with the respected Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), which has worked with police and government officials -- to oppose any attempt to expel the Saudi dissident.The IHRC says that the Home Office is still seeking its advice even though it knows of Dr al-Massari's connections. The group liaised with Scotland Yard over safety in the Muslim community.
There is little that is funny about this extremist. Far from being a democrat and human rights activist, he has revealed himself as a vicious and quarrelsome bigot, responsible for a London-based radio station that calls for attacks on British troops in Iraq and linked to a website showing films of beheadings of Western hostages. Not surprisingly, some Britons, including Patrick Mercer, the Shadow Minister for Homeland Security, now think it high time that Dr al-Massari was deported -- a move promised by Tony Blair several times in recent months. Where should he go? So far, no bilateral arrangements have been reached with Saudi Arabia to overcome worries on inhumane treatment. Though regarded there more as a clown than a danger, there is no promise of kid-glove treatment. He clearly cannot be offered to Dominica again. France, where his programmes are sent for broadcast by satellite, is curiously reluctant to have him. Until legal agreement is reached with the Saudis, the Falkland Islands would seem a suitable haven -- it is, after all, winter in the southern hemisphere.I think the Times has the right idea, but I'd hate to see the Falkland Islands marred by this terrorist's presence. Better he be sent to the Saudis, who are certain to know where to do
Maybe we're just looking at the wrong side of the "Two Faces Of Islam." On the other hand, perhaps both sides are the same.
Related:
A SAUDI OPPOSITIONIST'S VIEW: AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. MUHAMMAD AL-MASSARI
Posted by Richard at September 2, 2005 8:14 AM
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