UK accused of exaggerating terrorism threat
Regional-UK, Politics, 11/6/2007

The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC) has criticized the head of Britain's domestic security services for exaggerating the threat the country faces from terrorism and breeding a climate of fear against Muslims.

"There are at least 2,000 people in the UK who pose a threat to national security because of their support for terrorism," Jonathan Edwards said yesterday in his first public speech since becoming MI5 director general in April.

"Although we recognize that we are facing a threat, this threat must be put in the right perspective. Statements such as "terrorist-related activities" should be unpacked," the IHRC said.

The London-based commission pointed out that some of those who have been charged and found guilty under anti-terrorist legislation in the UK have included fantasists, who have had no weapons, explosives or plans to commit terrorism. Some include convictions of merely wearing emblems of banned organizations.

IHRC chairman, Massoud Shadjareh said that according to last year's figures released by the European Police Office (Europol), out of 498 terrorist attacks in 2006, only one was committed by a Muslim.

"We need to look at the reality and stop targeting specific communities, we need to go beyond anti-terror legislation and increase our security expenditure," Shadjareh said.

IHRC called upon all to work for a society that rejects prejudices and politics of fear.

"We need to be more honest with the British public and not breed a climate of fear," it said.

Previous Stories:
  UK terror search result in few arrests   (10/16/2007)
  The Attack on Free Speech Worldwide   (8/15/2007)
  Blair seeks new police powers for anti-terrorism   (5/28/2007)

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