Faith Matters General

‘Radical Islam’ still a first-order security threat, says Blair
September 7, 2021 By Faith Matters

‘Radical Islam’ still a first-order security threat, says Blair

“Radical Islam” continues to represent a “first-order security threat” 20 years after the 9/11 terror attacks on the United States, Tony Blair has warned. The former prime minister urged leaders from around the world to come together to develop a common strategy to counter the menace to their societies. In a speech to the Royal […]

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Extremist views widespread in England’s classrooms, say teachers
September 6, 2021 By Faith Matters

Extremist views widespread in England’s classrooms, say teachers

Extreme views like racism, homophobia and conspiracy theories are widespread in classrooms across England, a study suggests. Schools lack the resources and training to teach pupils how to discuss or reject dangerous views, according to academics from the University College London (UCL) Institute of Education. Their report, published days before the 20th anniversary of the […]

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British IS ‘Beatles’ terrorist facing life behind bars after guilty pleas
September 3, 2021 By Faith Matters

British IS ‘Beatles’ terrorist facing life behind bars after guilty pleas

A British terrorist who conspired to abduct and behead Western hostages for the so-called Islamic State is facing spending the rest of his life behind bars after pleading guilty to multiple charges in a US federal court. Alexanda Amon Kotey, 37, was one of the gang of four IS militants nicknamed “the Beatles” by their […]

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Anaesthetist guilty of injecting partner with drugs during distorted Ruqya exorcisms
August 7, 2021 By Faith Matters

Anaesthetist guilty of injecting partner with drugs during distorted Ruqya exorcisms

A hospital anaesthetist is facing jail after injecting his partner with drugs during a series of exorcism ceremonies, leaving her close to death with multiple organ failure. Hossam Metwally, 60, made dozens of video recordings of himself administering fluids through a cannula to Kelly Wilson while chanting as part of a “dangerous perversion” of the […]

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Radical preacher Anjem Choudary’s public speaking ban lifted
July 17, 2021 By Faith Matters

Radical preacher Anjem Choudary’s public speaking ban lifted

A ban on radical preacher Anjem Choudary speaking in public is being lifted as licence conditions which were imposed after his release from prison come to an end. The extremist was jailed five years ago after being convicted of inviting support for the Islamic State terror group, and he left Belmarsh high-security jail on licence […]

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Police facing ‘toxic mix’ of mental health issues and online extremism
July 7, 2021 By Faith Matters

Police facing ‘toxic mix’ of mental health issues and online extremism

Counter-terrorism police are facing “a toxic mix” of mental health issues and online radicalisation as the country comes out of lockdown, a senior officer has warned. Commander Richard Smith, head of the Metropolitan Police Counter-Terrorism Command, said young people in particular had been left at greater risk of online radicalisation during lockdown. Giving evidence to […]

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Islamist extremist motive considered by investigators probing Germany attack
June 30, 2021 By Faith Matters

Islamist extremist motive considered by investigators probing Germany attack

German investigators said that an Islamist extremist motivation for last week’s fatal knife attack in Wuerzburg appears likely, but they have not so far found any propaganda or other extremist material. They also plan more checks on the suspect’s mental health. Friday’s assault in and outside a store in the centre of the Bavarian city […]

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Timeline: Usman Khan’s path to murder
June 7, 2021 By Faith Matters

Timeline: Usman Khan’s path to murder

Usman Khan’s path to his death on London Bridge at the hands of police marksmen followed a long history of involvement in extremism. He killed his two victims at Fishmongers’ Hall at an event which had been intended to celebrate prisoners who had taken steps on the path to reform. Here is a timeline of […]

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Fishmongers’ Hall attacker had ‘hate in eyes’ and ‘evil intent’, inquest told
May 7, 2021 By Faith Matters

Fishmongers’ Hall attacker had ‘hate in eyes’ and ‘evil intent’, inquest told

Convicted terrorist Usman Khan exposed “hate in his eyes” and “evil intent” before he launched an attack on Fishmongers’ Hall, an inquest has heard. On November 29 2019, Khan, from Stafford, was shot dead after fatally stabbing Cambridge graduates Jack Merritt, 25, and Saskia Jones, 23, at a prisoners’ educational event in London. Six months […]

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Fishmongers’ Hall attacker ‘was influential inmate who talked to Rigby killer’
April 27, 2021 By Faith Matters

Fishmongers’ Hall attacker ‘was influential inmate who talked to Rigby killer’

The Fishmongers’ Hall attacker was an “influential” inmate who associated with Fusilier Lee Rigby’s killer before his release, an inquest has heard. Convicted terrorist Usman Khan, 28, spent eight years in prison where he was involved in a string of violent incidents and “extremist bullying”, the inquest jury at London’s Guildhall was told. Eleven months […]

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