Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission.

Anjem Choudary on the Charlie Hebdo attacks: 'Muslims do not believe in the concept of freedom of expression'

In the aftermath of yesterday's terrorist attack, the radical cleric wrote an open letter saying that Muslims don't believe in free speech

Helen Nianias
Thursday 08 January 2015 15:55 GMT
Comments
Anjem Choudary believes that France provoked the Charlie Hebdo shooting
Anjem Choudary believes that France provoked the Charlie Hebdo shooting (Getty)

After yesterday's Paris shooting, in which four journalists on satirical publication Charlie Hebdo were killed, Muslim activist Anjem Choudary has written an open letter entitled 'People Know The Consequences'.

In the letter, which was published by USA Today, Choudary says: "Contrary to popular misconception, Islam does not mean peace but rather means submission to the commands of Allah alone. Therefore, Muslims do not believe in the concept of freedom of expression, as their speech and actions are determined by divine revelation and not based on people's desires."

He adds: "Although Muslims may not agree about the idea of freedom of expression, even non-Muslims who espouse it say it comes with responsibilities. In an increasingly unstable and insecure world, the potential consequences of insulting the Messenger Muhammad are known to Muslims and non-Muslims alike."

The post asks: "Why did France allow the tabloid to provoke Muslims?" and Choudary adds: "Western governments are content to sacrifice liberties and freedoms when being complicit to torture and rendition — or when restricting the freedom of movement of Muslims, under the guise of protecting national security."

He Tweeted:

Anjem Choudary, centre, in 2010 (Getty Images)

This is not the first time Choudary has stoked controversy. Last year, it was revealed that he held a network dubbed the "gateway to terror". He also lauded the terrorists responsible for 9/11 as "magnificent martyrs".

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in