British Muslims React To PM's Statements

The Guardian today has published the full text of a joint statement by 38 British Muslim groups and individuals who "fear that recent events are being exploited by some sections in society to demonise legitimate Islamic values and beliefs". Reacting to statements and proposals by Prime Minister Tony Blair since the London bombings, the statement says: "To equate "extremism" with the aspirations of Muslims for Sharia laws in the Muslim world or the desire to see unification towards a Caliphate in the Muslim lands, ... is inaccurate and disingenuous." It also asserts that "the proposal to close mosques if they are arbitrarily defined as being "extremist" or to try and politically influence what may or may not be said during a religious talk ... would amount to a collective punishment of the community and will be likely to create fear and prevent legitimate political discussion within mosques."