The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has condemned the UK government's decision to refuse a visa to renowned Egyptian scholar Yusuf al-Qaradawi, warning it would send the wrong message about the country's traditional right to free speech.
The MCB, the UK's largest Muslim umbrella group with over 500 affiliates, said it recognized Prime Minister Gordon Brown has been "under immense pressure from the pro-Zionist and neo-conservative lobby in recent weeks to take this decision." "It is regrettable that the government has finally given way to these unreasonable demands spearheaded by the Tory leader (David Cameron) whose government had in fact allowed Dr Qaradawi to visit the UK five times between 1995-97," it said.
MCB secretary general Abdul Bari said that the Islamic scholar, who has been outspoken in support the right of Palestinians to resist Israeli occupation, enjoyed "unparalleled respect and influence throughout the Muslim world." "I am afraid this decision will send the wrong message to Muslims everywhere about the state of British society and culture. Britain has had a long and established tradition of free speech, debate and intellectual pursuit," Bari said.
He said the principles of free speech were worth defending, especially as British government has claimed, it would like to see them spread throughout the world.
The ban from entering Britain comes after a sustained campaign over several years, led by the Zionist lobby. The sheikh, who lives in Qatar and has written over 50 books, previously has been a frequent visitor.
The MCB, the UK's largest Muslim umbrella group with over 500 affiliates, said it recognized Prime Minister Gordon Brown has been "under immense pressure from the pro-Zionist and neo-conservative lobby in recent weeks to take this decision." "It is regrettable that the government has finally given way to these unreasonable demands spearheaded by the Tory leader (David Cameron) whose government had in fact allowed Dr Qaradawi to visit the UK five times between 1995-97," it said.
MCB secretary general Abdul Bari said that the Islamic scholar, who has been outspoken in support the right of Palestinians to resist Israeli occupation, enjoyed "unparalleled respect and influence throughout the Muslim world." "I am afraid this decision will send the wrong message to Muslims everywhere about the state of British society and culture. Britain has had a long and established tradition of free speech, debate and intellectual pursuit," Bari said.
He said the principles of free speech were worth defending, especially as British government has claimed, it would like to see them spread throughout the world.
The ban from entering Britain comes after a sustained campaign over several years, led by the Zionist lobby. The sheikh, who lives in Qatar and has written over 50 books, previously has been a frequent visitor.
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