Sir, I agree with the human rights group who have criticised the proposed Counter Extremism Bill (The Muslim News August 26). As ex-chief constable of Greater Manchester Peter Fahy says, this is ‘policing of thought’.
What is quite surprising is that the Government has not been able to define non-violent extremism. Neither Cameron, May nor Rudd have any clue what the definition should be.
This is dangerous as the police would consider a Muslim extremist if they find him/her to be practising Islam, defending Palestinians, criticising Israel human rights abuses, join in demonstrations, criticise our Government’s anti Muslim policies, etc
We have already seen this happening under the current Prevent Extremism strategy. In schools, young Muslim pupils are sent to Prevent’s Channel programme for requesting a room for prayers.
I believe the Prevent programme should be re-visited and come up with another strategy which does not affect civil rights of Muslims.
Yours,
Jamil Iqbal
London