British-Muslim sues govt over extremist labelling

British-Muslim sues govt over extremist labelling

FPJ BureauUpdated: Thursday, May 30, 2019, 10:50 AM IST
article-image

London : A British-Muslim activist launched legal action against the UK government’s anti- extremism strategy after he was labelled a “non-violent extremist”. Salman Butt took his case to the High Court accusing the government’s Prevent strategy of breaching free speech rights.

   Last September, Butt was named in a Downing Street press release about an aspect of the strategy, known as the Prevent duty, being used to stop extremists radicalising students on university campuses. He was listed as one of the six speakers who gave talks on campuses and was said to have views that violated British values – such as democracy, free speech, equality and the rule of law.

 The 31-year-old denies holding views contrary to British values. “I’m a father of three, I’m a British-Muslim, a writer, an activist. I am not an extremist, either violent or non-violent. Being labelled as some kind of extremist does have a stigmatising effect. I have not spoken at any universities since I was named in the (Downing Street) press release,” he told BBC. “My aim isn’t just to clear my name, it is to bring transparency to the hidden processes by which individuals are tarnished with the label of an extremist, to ensure it is brought into the scrutiny of the courts,” he said. Earlier this year, a High Court judge ruled Butt had an arguable case against the UK Home Office, and permission was granted to take the judicial review case to a full hearing, which starts this week. Butt’s lawyers are challenging part of the Prevent strategy that aims to stop people becoming or supporting terrorists.

The hearing this week is scheduled for three days. “It would be inappropriate to comment on ongoing legal proceedings,” a UK Home Office spokesperson said.

RECENT STORIES

Paris Viral Video: High Voltage Drama At Charles de Gaulle Airport As Migrants Protest Against...

Paris Viral Video: High Voltage Drama At Charles de Gaulle Airport As Migrants Protest Against...

Pakistan Horror: Man Strangulates Sister To Death In Family's Presence; Shocking Crime...

Pakistan Horror: Man Strangulates Sister To Death In Family's Presence; Shocking Crime...

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Racist Posts Target Indian Crew On Social Media Following Collision

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Racist Posts Target Indian Crew On Social Media Following Collision

'Undoubtedly Saved Lives': US Prez Joe Biden Lauds Quick Action By Indian Crew Members In Baltimore...

'Undoubtedly Saved Lives': US Prez Joe Biden Lauds Quick Action By Indian Crew Members In Baltimore...

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: 6 Missing Presumed Dead, Says Maryland State Police; Rescue Ops Underway

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: 6 Missing Presumed Dead, Says Maryland State Police; Rescue Ops Underway