Latest news with #extremism
Times
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Times
Islamophobia definition could have chilling effect, says peer
The government's new Islamophobia definition could stop experts warning about Islamist influence in Britain, a former anti-extremism tsar has warned. Lord Walney said that a review being carried out by Angela Rayner's department should drop the term Islamophobia, or risk 'protecting a religion from criticism' rather than protecting individuals. Ministers launched a 'working group' in February aimed at forming an official definition of what is meant by Islamophobia or anti-Muslim hatred within six months. The group was created because incidents of hate crime in England and Wales aimed at Muslims were at an all-time high, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said. Rayner has been warned that using the term Islamophobia rather than anti-Muslim hate risked efforts to expose malign influence from countries such as Iran being branded as Islamophobia. The Times previously revealed that Iran had developed a 'sophisticated network' across the UK to actively promote propaganda and 'plant seeds of suspicion' against the British government. Walney, a Labour peer who wrote a government review into political violence and disruption, said the government did not need to 'scrap the whole thing' because 'prejudice against Muslims absolutely exists in this country, and we should be alive to it'. He said: 'But by dropping the term Islamophobia you could send a clear message that this is not about protecting a religion from criticism.' Walney said that a previous definition adopted by the Labour Party in the Corbyn years specifically said that referring to Pakistani grooming gangs or 'the idea that there are Islamist organisations in the UK that seek to infiltrate British communities' would have been counted as Islamophobia. The government confirmed that was no longer its position and it made it clear that it would uphold free speech in the terms of reference for the review. But Walney said: 'Where really significant worry remains is that the legal framework, or certainly how it is being interpreted at the moment across the country — when no definition exists — is having a significant chilling effect on freedom of speech.' He also warned that it would be 'toxically damaging for Labour' if the government was seen 'as furthering a process which can be in any way seen to perpetuate or extend that culture' that led to the cover-up of grooming gangs. Rayner's department has been accused by the Conservatives of carrying out the review in secret, because although certain groups would be invited to respond to a consultation on any definition, the public would not be asked to do so. It is also facing a potential legal challenge from the Free Speech Union if the definition is deemed too wide. One group that has been asked to contribute is the National Secular Society, which said any definition would 'not protect Muslims' but would threaten freedom of speech. Stephen Evans, the society's chief executive, said: 'Anti-Muslim bigotry is a genuine issue which threatens the rights and wellbeing of individuals, as well as wider community cohesion. However, attempting to protect Muslims by using an 'Islamophobia' definition is likely to fail, and may even have the opposite effect. 'Such a definition could fuel fears around 'two-tier justice', as well as demands for other 'religionphobia' definitions. It could also hinder free speech around Islam, including the ability to criticise aspects of Islam which may cause harm. 'We believe the government should rethink its approach, and instead tackle anti-Muslim bigotry by promoting and upholding the fundamental human rights we all share as individuals.' The MHCLG said: 'We are absolutely committed to defending freedom of speech and any proposed definition must be compatible with the right to freedom of speech and expression. 'The independent working group has been engaging extensively with a wide range of communities and will provide independent, evidence-based advice to ministers.'
National Post
13 hours ago
- Politics
- National Post
Spy agency says it doesn't just go after extremists' computers. It also goes after their online reputation
OTTAWA — Canada's cyberintelligence agency doesn't just go after violent extremist group leaders' computers and networks, it also attacks their reputation, credibility and trustworthiness to undermine them, according to a new report. Article content In its latest annual report published Friday, the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) offered new detail about what it does during an 'active cyber operation'. Article content Article content Article content 'Using a multi-faceted approach that targeted VEOs' technical infrastructure and online presence, CSE conducted active cyber operations to damage the credibility and influence of key group leaders, reducing their ability to inspire and lead,' reads the report. Article content The operations also aimed to 'weaken trust and reduce cohesion between leaders and followers, undermining the unity and strength of these organizations,' the report continues. Article content Article content Article content 'It's difficult for me to get into details about the actual techniques that are being used, because if we share those techniques, then that impacts them and the effectiveness decreases,' Walshe said.
Free Malaysia Today
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
36 foreigners linked to ‘radical militant movement' nabbed
Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the arrests were made during three operations in Selangor and Johor. PETALING JAYA : Police have detained 36 foreigners for their involvement in a radical militant movement, home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said today. Saifuddin said the arrests were made during three operations in Selangor and Johor starting April 24. He said five of the individuals were involved in terrorism and had been charged in the sessions courts in Shah Alam, Selangor, and Johor. 'Another 15 individuals have been issued deportation orders, while 16 others are still under investigation for their suspected involvement in the militant movement,' he said in a statement. Saifuddin said the group was found to be promoting extremist ideology linked to the Islamic State. 'They even established cells within their community with the aim of spreading radical ideology, raising funds for terrorist activities, and overthrowing the government in their home country,' he added. He said Malaysia would not house foreign extremist movements, or be a medium for their subversive actions, and that threats to national security would not be taken lightly. 'Any attempt to turn Malaysia into a militant operations base or a transit hub for extremist movements will be met with firm, swift, and effective action,' Saifuddin said.
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Home minister: Police nab 36 Bangladeshis for ties to radical militant group
KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 — The police arrested 36 Bangladesh citizens this week, who were found to be directly involved in a 'radical militant movement' centred on extremist beliefs and terrorism ideology, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated today. Saifuddin said the police's planned security operations had started from April 24 with three phases of arrests in Selangor and Johor. Out of the 36 nabbed, Saifuddin said five of them have been identified as being involved with the Penal Code's Chapter VIA (which covers offences relating to terrorism). The five have been charged at the Sessions Court in Shah Alam and Johor Bahru. As for the rest who were arrested, 15 have been issued orders for deportation, and the remaining 16 are under further investigation over their involvement in this militant movement, Saifuddin said. 'The Special Branch team's intelligence and coordinated action revealed that this group brought in extremist beliefs based on the Islamic State (IS) ideology into the country,' Saifuddin said in a statement today. He added that the police had also found that this group had created recruitment cells within their community for the purposes of indoctrination of radical beliefs, collecting funds for terrorism activities and to topple the legitimate government in their country of origin. Saifuddin stressed that Malaysia will not become a place of shelter or a place for subversive elements by any foreign extremist movements. He said the police's action proves the government is very serious and will not compromise against any elements that can threaten national security. He said the success of this operation has shown the efficiency and professionalism of Malaysia's security forces — especially the police — in ensuring the country's sovereignty, harmony and public peace. He said the Home Ministry will continue to strengthen intelligence capabilities and increase enforcement, besides working together with both domestic and foreign security agencies to ensure Malaysia remains peaceful, stable and free from threats of terrorism. 'Any attempts to make Malaysia a base for militant operations or transit centre for extremism movements will be tackled with firm, quick and effective action,' he said.
LBCI
a day ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Suspect in Damascus church bombing? Lebanon arrest raises ISIS concerns — here's what we know
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian Years after ISIS lost most of its territory in Syria, the group's extremist offshoots and ideology remain active—evident in the continued targeting of minorities in Syria and recent arrests in Lebanon. In the Lebanese town of Bouar, suspicions about a stranger prompted Lebanon's State Security office in Keserwan to detain him. What initially appeared to be a routine arrest soon revealed more troubling details. The detainee, identified as 31-year-old Hassan A., had illegally crossed into Lebanon from Syria via the northern border. During questioning, he claimed he had been promised a job. He admitted to paying a smuggler, identified as Syrian national Mostafa Q., $100 to facilitate his entry. He arrived in Lebanon just hours after the bombing of Saint Elias Church in Damascus. However, the contents of his phone—seized by State Security—told a deeper story. Investigators found images of him standing in front of an ISIS flag, holding a dagger, and wearing military fatigues with ISIS insignia. His phone also contained photos of him carrying a tactical vest and, more disturbingly, video footage of a beheading—evidence strongly suggesting an extremist ideology. Despite this, Hassan denied any affiliation with ISIS or Saraya Ansar al-Sunna, the group that claimed responsibility for the Damascus church bombing. He also denied participating in any executions. He told investigators the videos had been automatically downloaded to his phone through a WhatsApp group he had joined. Authorities have referred him to the Internal Security Forces' Information Branch for further investigation and technical analysis of his device. He only confirmed that he had received religious training from an extremist Syrian group and military training from groups of various Arab nationalities. So far, there is no conclusive evidence linking Hassan to the Damascus church attack. However, the timing of his arrival—just hours after the bombing—raises serious questions. Was it merely a coincidence, or was he fleeing the Syrian regime, which has pledged to eradicate ISIS—a commitment Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa reaffirmed during a recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump? The case has reignited concerns over whether Lebanon is becoming a new battleground for internal Syrian conflicts.
