Coalition of British Muslim Organisations Concerned with the Rights of the Palestinian People

Media and Government on a Witch-hut
The Observer on Sunday ran an inflammatory piece claiming Dr Daud Abdullah, Deputy Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) “One of the UK’s most influential Islamic leaders, who has helped counter extremism in the country’s mosques, is accused of advocating attacks on the Royal Navy if it tries to stop arms for Hamas being smuggled into Gaza.”

Not only is it preposterous to allege that one of the foremost Muslim leaders of the international campaign for peace and justice could advocate violence, but to further it by saying he is “facing calls for his resignation” is completely unacceptable. The only calls of resignation appear to come from the government which is trying to medal in the structures and workings of legitimate and democratic grassroots organisations like the Muslim Council of Britain.

We the undersigned attest to the irrefutable fact that Dr Daud Abdullah has been a leading voice condemning terrorism wherever it transpires, making him a hate figure within extremist circles; Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Dr Abdullah was democratically elected by the membership of MCB, with over 500 organisations and nobody besides the MCB electorate can oust him. It is unacceptable that the government would choose to undermine this democratic process based on media reports.

The witch-hunt by the government against individuals and organisations which do not tow the government line is unacceptable. It is clear that these attacks on leading figures from the mainstream British Muslim community is nothing short of retribution for the incredible loss and humiliation suffered by Israel during its criminal attacks on Gaza.

We believe the government is pursuing a draconian policy against Muslims and the case of Dr Daud Abdullah is just one of many. Our support is with Dr Abdullah and we will continue to support him as an elected and chosen leader within the MCB and wider afield.