Radical British cleric Anjem Choudary is asking the UK government to guarantee safe passage for him to travel to the Islamic State, saying that he was willing to consider renouncing his British nationality, but only “as a last resort.”
“I believe the world belongs to God and that one day, hopefully, the UK will be part of an Islamic State. Why shouldn’t I be free to travel to the [caliphate] and see what life is like under [Islamic law]?” said Choudary.
Choudary’s passport was confiscated by British officials in September after he was arrested on charges of belonging to a terrorist organization. He was released on bail with strict conditions.
Choudary cited human rights grounds in his request that his passport be returned. “The passport… is a basic human right and I don’t see why I should have to give it up or have my movement restricted,” said Choudary.
Choudary has stated that he is in favor of the implementation of Sharia law. He supports Sharia punishments such as public executions and the cutting off of hands.
“I want to know from the Home Office and the crown prosecution service if it is illegal for me to travel to live in the Islamic State if I have no intention of carrying out acts of terrorism,” said Choudary.
Chairman of the UK government’s home affairs committee, Keith Vaz, responded to Choudary’s request Thursday, saying, “If he wants to go, he should be allowed to go. I think that would be a much better scenario than having him stay.”
Vaz also commented on Choudary’s request for the UK to guarantee his safe passage.
“Why should the Home Office or anyone else give him safe passage?” said Vaz. “He must take the consequences if he is propagating the views of ISIS, then he is putting himself at risk of prosecution. I think people would like to see the back of him.”
By James Haleavy