LEADERS of an Islamic association have denied rumours that it has connections with banned radical group, Islam4UK.
Elders at the Waltham Forest Islamic Association said they were concerned to hear rumours that Islam4UK was planning an anti-war protest march from the Jamia Masjid Ghosia mosque in Lea Bridge Road, Leyton.
Spokesman Tariq Mahmood told the Guardian: “We want to disassociate ourselves with any extremist elements happening in Waltham Forest and to encourage unity with other communities, to work together rather than cause friction.”
Following last week's announcement by the government that Islam4UK, which is headed by Leytonstone resident and cleric, Anjem Choudary, of Colchester Road, Mr Mahmood said the view's of the association echo that of other Muslim leaders in the borough.
He said: “Last week's story in the Guardian confirms that the whole of the borough are against these people and they don't reflect their views, and we would support that.
"We are not associated with them and don't want to be. We don't allow those sorts of people in our mosque.”
The association's president, Mohammed Iqbal, said: “We are from a totally different sect from them. They are such a small minority and we have never seen them here at the mosque.”
He added: “We have a very good relationship with the local police and they are very aware of our views.”
Home Secretary Alan Johnson announced on Tuesday last week that members of any group operating under the names Islam4UK, Al Muhajiroun, Call to Submission, Islamic Path and London School of Sharia, could be prosecuted under counter-terrorism laws.
Islam4UK, which wants Sharia law introduced in the UK with public floggings for infidelity and the execution of homosexuals, was previously banned while operating under the names “Al-Ghurabaa” and “The Saved Sect”, but continued to operate under alternative names.
Under the Terrorism Act 2000, any organisation can be banned if it "commits or participates in acts of terrorism, prepares for, promotes or encourages terrorism or is otherwise concerned in terrorism".
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