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Islamic Human Rights Commission
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Press release: Jonathan Evans, head of MI5 exaggerates terrorist threat
5 November 2007
IHRC is concerned about the statement made by the head of MI5 “There are at least 2,000 people in the UK who pose a threat to national security because of their support for terrorism”. 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. Some of those who have been charged and found guilty under anti-terrorist legislation have included fantasists, who have had no weapons, explosives or plans to commit terrorism. They have also included those who have merely been guilty of wearing emblems of banned organizations. If this figure of 2000 includes such people then we need to be more honest with the British public and not breed a climate of fear.
IHRC Chairman, Massoud Shadjareh stated:
“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. IHRC calls upon all to work for a society that rejects prejudices and politics of fear.”
For more information please contact the Press Office on (+44) 20 8904 4222 or (+44) 7958 522196or email info@ihrc.org.[ENDS]
IHRC is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.
Islamic Human Rights Commission
PO Box 598
Wembley
HA9 7XH
United Kingdom
Telephone (+44) 20 8904 4222
Fax (+44) 20 8904 5183
Email: info@ihrc.org
Web: www.ihrc.org