British Court Uses Anti-Social Behavior Orders Against Islamic Radicals

Britain's Crime and Disorder Act 1998, Sec. 1, permits courts to issue an Anti-Social Behavior Order (ASBO) against anyone who has acted "in a manner that caused or was likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons..." Friday's London Mirror and Mail Online report on the innovative use of this power against Islamic radicals in London. Three Muslim men who have been acting as a vigilante Muslim Patrol to enforce Sharia norms in East London received 5-year ASOBs last Friday barring them from making unsolicited approaches to people to promote Sharia law.  The ringleader of the 3, Jordan Horner, also had restrictions placed on him designed to prevent him from preaching extremist Islamic views.  He is prohibited from possessing a bullhorn in any public place, and barred from entering any place of education unless as a student or to visiting relatives. The men are also prohibited from meeting with each other, as well as with a fourth named person or with controversial Islamist Anjem Choudary.