The British government wants to define extremism. Critics say it’s not that simple

2024-03-14 09:08:02

LONDON (AP) — The British government on Thursday released an official definition of “extremism” and said groups given that designation will not be eligible for government funding.

It was unclear who would be on the list, and critics said labeling nonviolent groups as extremist might undermine free speech.

The government defined extremism as “the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance” that aims to destroy the rights and freedoms of others or “undermines, reverses or replaces the British system of liberal parliamentary democracy and human rights.” democratic.”

The government gave no examples of extremist groups, although Communities Secretary Michael Gove mentioned the threat from the far right and “Islamic extremists who want to separate Muslims from the rest of society and create division between Islamic communities”.

Islamic and civil liberties groups expressed concern that the definition was being used disproportionately once morest Muslims.

Qari Asim, chairman of the Imams and Mosques Advisory Board, said “this proposed definition may not be applied consistently.”

“It’s up to people to apply any definition of extremism and call anyone an extremist as they please, and then that’s going to create a huge divide in our society,” he told the BBC.

The announcement was made two weeks following an unusual televised speech by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak outside his official residence in which he denounced “a shocking increase in interference and extremist crime,” which he linked to the war between Israel and Hamas. Reports of anti-Semitic and anti-Islamic abuse have soared in Britain since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which triggered an Israeli invasion of Gaza.

Massive pro-Palestinian protests have brought hundreds of thousands of people to central London to call for a ceasefire. The protests have been largely peaceful, although there have been dozens of arrests for signs and chants allegedly supporting Hamas, an organization banned in the United Kingdom. Jewish organizations and many lawmakers say the mass demonstrations have created an atmosphere of intimidation for Jewish Londoners, although those attending the ceasefire marches included members of the Jewish community.

Gove said the new definition does not criminalize anyone and is “not a restriction on freedom of expression” nor is it intended to stop protests.

“Today’s definition affects only the government and makes it clear that we will keep these organizations away from benefiting from access to the government and its funds,” he said.

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