08/07/2013

Home Secretary Seeks Banning Of Two Islamist Groups

Two organisations described as "extremists" and "radical Islamists" could be banned in the UK under terrorism laws.

Home Secretary Theresa May has asked that Minbar Ansar Deen and Boko Haram be banned, and that support for the groups be made a criminal offence.

The Home Office have confirmed that if the ban is approved by parliament, the two groups would be banned from operating in the UK as soon as Friday.

According to the Home Office, Minbar Ansar Deen, also known as Ansar al-Sharia UK, is based in the UK, and distributes pro-terrorism content through a forum on its website. It is alleged that it encourages people to travel overseas and engage in extremist activity.

Boko Haram, whose name means "Western education is forbidden", is based in Nigeria and has allegedly waged an insurgency for more than a decade.

If the groups are banned, it will be illegal to support or become a member of either group, to arrange meetings or wear clothing in support of them.

Offenders could face fines of up to £5,000 or up to 10 years in prison.

(MH/JP)

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