Crackdown on the preachers of hate

Jailed: radical cleric Abu Hamza
13 April 2012

Extremist Islamic 'hate preachers' face a crackdown from a network of specialist prosecutors set up to monitor their activities and bring criminal charges against them.

Director of Public Prosecutions Sir Ken Macdonald yesterday promised to root out radical clerics who stir up hatred and inspire others to carry out terror attacks.

The tougher approach is likely to be seen as an admission that the authorities have so far been too tolerant towards preachers who fan the flames of terrorism.

Notorious cases include Finsbury Park Mosque cleric Abu Hamza, who was allowed to preach inflammatory sermons for years before he was prosecuted and jailed last year.

Also among those who can expect close scrutiny is Anjem Choudary, the unofficial spokesman of militant Islam in the UK.

In the wake of the July 7 bombings, Tony Blair promised to create an offence of glorifying or condoning terrorism, but the measure was watered down and no prosecutions have been brought since it became law almost a year ago.

Sir Ken has recently appointed a national 'radicalisation coordinator' to spearhead the crackdown, with a view to bringing more charges against extremist preachers.

The Crown Prosecution Service would not name the official yesterday, but confirmed that up to five more specialists would be appointed in major cities.

Sir Ken said: "The preacher of hate issue is one of growing public concern. It is dangerous and requires a vigorous response from us and the police."

He said a 'formal structure' was needed to focus on the challenge, improving the gathering and use of evidence to bring charges.

"We are also going to have specialist lawyers round the country in the main urban centres who will also be responsible for tackling this issue," he added.

"The idea is to develop a way for us and the police to respond to this problem more proactively."

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