LONDON: The newly-elected Lib-Con coalition government in Britain has come under pressure to ban the entry into Britain of controversial televangelist Dr Zakir Naik.

Naik, who is popular in India, Pakistan and households across Britain, recently became highly controversial after he praised Osama Bin Laden and acts of terrorism, criticised non-Muslims, and drew the indignation of Muslims of various denominations after criticising their beliefs.

Charismatic and silver-tongued, Naik, ranked at 82 in India’s most powerful people’s list, is billed to be the star speaker at the Al-Khair Peace Convention 2010 in giant Sheffield and Wembley Arenas.

A visa has already been issued to him for his latest visit. The News understands through its sources that many of his crew members were refused visas and a Labour MP was approached by the organisers to help expedite the visa process for those who were refused visas but he refused to help them.

Naik’s sermons, attended by thousands in India and beamed across the world through his own well-oiled research foundation and media networks, upset many when he said on his TV that Muslims who changed faith were liable to execution, American were “pigs”, “every Muslim should be a terrorist”, he was “with” Osama Bin Laden over attacks on “America the terrorist”, and that the 9/11 hijackings were an inside job by then president George W Bush.

His remarks on the battle of Kerbala and Islamic history led to protests against him in Indian and Pakistani cities and he was urged to steer clear of causing sectarian differences. Now both Muslim and non-Muslim campaigners have called on Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron to ban the cleric and prove that his government is serious about tackling the threat posed by radical Islam.

The News understands that lobbyists from both pro- and anti-Naik camps are lobbying Home Secretary Theresa May and Naik’s is a test case for the ruling Conservatives who, when in opposition, were arch critics of Labour’s association with some avowedly Islamic groups. They were instrumental behind the entry bans on Yusuf al-Qaradawi, an Egyptian radical cleric who had previously visited London on the invitation of London Mayor Ken, Hezbollah’s leader Ibrahim Mousavi, and many others, including Pakistani clerics and former ISI chief Hameed Gul.

Through a statement sent to this newspaper, the chief organiser of the Al-Khair Peace Convention 2010 pointed out that his organisation would never, in any circumstances, countenance the transgression of any UK laws. Imam Qasim Rashid Ahmad said: “This includes any incitement or glorification of any act of terrorism or violence or discrimination however construed.”

He said the media treatment afforded to the televangelist had not been objective and his headline utterances had been quoted “out of context in all instances”. “It is also a matter for the record that Dr Zakir Naik has been unequivocal in his condemnation of all acts of terrorism (to include the 9/11 and 7/7 acts) where he specifically labelled those who committed the atrocities as non-Muslims,” Imam Ahmad said, adding that the Border Agency had desisted from moves to revoke his visa because they knew well about Naik’s views.

But a Conservative MP asked his government on Thursday to ban “all kinds of preachers of hate” and not be risk-averse to those who incited division. MP Patrick Mercer told The News he failed to understand why the preachers of hate were allowed into the country to “bend and twist” the teachings of Islam and corrupt the susceptible minds. “We have freedom of speech in this country that is extremely important to us and thatís why our men and women are dying in Afghanistan to ensure its supremacy. But there is a difference between freedom of speech and preaching hate and violence and disdain for human rights. I will ask the government to keep anybody out who is preaching hatred in any form.”

A UK Border Agency spokesperson said: “Each case is considered on its own merits. When assessing a visa application we will consider the previous conduct of the individual and we will ensure that the UK does not support or provide a platform for the promotion of violent extremism.“We reserve the right to revoke someoneís visa if they are found to be promoting extreme views which are contrary to UK values.”

An Indian Muslim preacher has been banned from entering the UK for his "unacceptable behaviour", the home secretary says.
Zakir Naik, a 44-year-old television preacher, had been due to give a series of lectures in London and Sheffield.

Theresa May said that visiting the UK was "a privilege, not a right".

The home secretary can stop people entering the UK if she believes there is a threat to national security, public order or the safety of citizens.
That includes banning people if she believes their views glorify terrorism, promote violence or encourage other serious crime.
However, somebody cannot be banned just for having opinions that other people would find offensive.
Ms May said: "Numerous comments made by Dr Naik are evidence to me of his unacceptable behaviour.
"Coming to the UK is a privilege, not a right and I am not willing to allow those who might not be conducive to the public good to enter the UK.

"Exclusion powers are very serious and no decision is taken lightly or as a method of stopping open debate on issues."

This is the first person who has been excluded from the UK since Ms May became home secretary last month.

Mr Naik is based in Mumbai (Bombay) where he works for the Peace TV channel.

He was due to address events at Sheffield Arena on 25 June and Wembley Arena on 26 June.

The BBC's Sanjiv Buttoo says that he is recognised as an authority on Islam but also has a reputation for making disparaging remarks about other religions.

Peace TV itself describes him as "a medical doctor by professional training... and a dynamic international orator on Islam and comparative religion".

"Dr Naik clarifies Islamic viewpoints and clears misconceptions about Islam using the Koran," the channel's website says.

A spokesman for Mr Naik said it was "deeply regrettable" the UK government had "bowed to pressure" from certain groups to exclude him.

He said Mr Naik had been holding talks in the UK for 15 years and the decision to bar his entry was disappointing.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk/10349564.stm

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