London: A report commissioned by the UK government sheds light on the escalating phenomenon of blasphemy extremism in Britain, attributing its root cause to the influence exerted by Pakistan’s anti-blasphemy political party, Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP), through specific mosques, Islamic organizations, and preachers.
The independent study, titled “Understanding and Responding to Blasphemy Extremism in the UK,” raises concerns about the emergence of a UK-based wing of the TLP, characterizing it as “alarming”. It recommends proscribing groups like the TLP, restricting the entry of its non-British members into the country, and probing connections between UK activists and entities and anti-blasphemy extremists in Pakistan. Furthermore, it advocates for categorizing anti-blasphemy extremism as a form of extremism and criminalizing the act of publicly accusing individuals of blasphemy.
Authored by Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens and published by the UK Commission for Countering Extremism, the report underscores that several influential anti-blasphemy activists in the UK have affiliations with TLP-UK or have openly praised its founder, Khadim Rizvi, known for inciting vigilante violence against alleged blasphemers.
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Originating from protests in support of Mumtaz Qadri, TLP has morphed into a manifestation of Barelvi violent extremism, advocating for the punishment, including extrajudicial killings, of those perceived to have blasphemed against Islam.
The report cautions that British support for violent anti-blasphemy elements in Pakistan could radicalize individuals and potentially incite sectarian violence and terrorism in the UK. It notes a surge in organized responses to alleged blasphemy incidents in the UK, primarily propelled by Barelvi and Deobandi groups rooted in Pakistan but gaining traction within certain segments of British Islam. However, it emphasizes that these extremist views represent only a fraction of British Muslims despite their growing influence.
The report’s commission stemmed from three notable incidents: the case of a Batley Grammar School teacher forced into hiding due to death threats after showing students a caricature in 2021, protests outside a Cineworld branch in Birmingham opposing the screening of “The Lady of Heaven” in 2022, and death threats received by Wakefield schoolboys following allegations of disrespecting the Quran in 2023. In all these instances, connections with TLP supporters were identified.
A spokesperson for the UK government emphasized their serious approach towards combating anti-blasphemy extremism, acknowledging receipt of the report and indicating a commitment to reviewing its recommendations. They asserted ongoing efforts to prevent extremist organizations or individuals from gaining platforms through their interactions with the government, with further details to be announced soon.
