Report Shows Surge in Violent Threats Targeting ‘Blasphemy’
A report has raised concerns about a Pakistani political party that promotes violence to eradicate blasphemy against Islam being associated with protests in the UK.
There is a growing trend of radical anti-blasphemy activism in the UK, according to a recent government report.
Expert Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens, who authored the report, pointed out incidents involving extreme sectarianism, intimidation, and threats of violence, highlighting three recent “blasphemy flashpoints” in the UK.
He identified two prevalent forms of anti-blasphemy activism, one targeting non-Muslims who are perceived to have insulted Islam by depicting the Prophet Muhammad or damaging the Quran, and the other targeting sects like the Ahmadi Muslim group or certain Shia factions.
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‘Most Alarming Recent Development’
The report highlighted the emergence of a UK branch of the extremist Pakistani anti-blasphemy party Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) as the “most alarming recent development.”
Prior to his death in 2020, TLP founder Khadim Rizvi had a history of endorsing vigilante violence and murder against alleged blasphemers.
Meleagrou-Hitchens noted that several influential UK anti-blasphemy activists have ties to TLP-UK or have publicly admired Rizvi, advocating for British Muslims to follow his teachings.
Since Rizvi’s death, TLP-UK has organized annual events in the UK honoring him and promoting his campaign to eradicate blasphemy against Islam through violence.
The report urged the government to categorize anti-blasphemy extremism as a distinct form of extremism in the UK and to use this terminology in official communications and documents.
This could involve integrating anti-blasphemy extremism into the multi-agency Prevent programme, which aims to prevent individuals from turning to terrorism.
Definition of Extremism
The release of the report coincides with the government’s preparations to crack down on what it deems “extremist views,” with Communities Secretary Michael Gove expected to develop a new extremism definition.
The new definition will enhance the existing Prevent counter-radicalization programme by offering more specific criteria, enabling the government and other public entities to disengage from and cease funding extremist groups, both Islamist and far-right factions.
However, Conservative MP Miriam Cates cautioned on the X social media platform, stating, “We must not broaden the definition of extremism.” She warned against undermining essential freedoms.
She highlighted differences in opinions on what constitutes extremism, pointing out that enforcing existing laws on violence incitement, terrorism glorification, racism promotion, and threats would address the issue of dangerous individuals, particularly those glorifying terrorism and intimidating others in the name of Islam in the UK.
PA Media contributed to this report.
