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University Islamic society suspended over 'protocol breach' claims | |
(35 minutes later) | |
The Islamic society at Queen Mary University of London has been suspended while the students’ union investigates alleged breaches of protocols and procedures. | |
The society said on its Facebook page that the move had come about as a result of allegations that it was unclear about, and it was working with the students’ union “to gain better clarity”. | |
The society has been accused in the past of hosting events addressed by speakers associated with Islamist organisations such as Hizb ut-Tahrir, which seeks to form a global Islamic state regulated by sharia law. | The society has been accused in the past of hosting events addressed by speakers associated with Islamist organisations such as Hizb ut-Tahrir, which seeks to form a global Islamic state regulated by sharia law. |
There was no immediate comment from representatives of the students’ union, but the suspension was confirmed by the university, which is a member of the Russell Group of leading British research institutions. | |
A spokesperson said: “Queen Mary students’ union has suspended the Islamic society (Isoc) while it investigates claims that Isoc breached agreed protocols and procedures. Further information will be available following the conclusion of the investigation.” | A spokesperson said: “Queen Mary students’ union has suspended the Islamic society (Isoc) while it investigates claims that Isoc breached agreed protocols and procedures. Further information will be available following the conclusion of the investigation.” |
Decrying what it described as “hysteria”, the society said in its Facebook post: “It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that we regret to inform you that the Queen Mary Islamic Society has been temporarily suspended.” | Decrying what it described as “hysteria”, the society said in its Facebook post: “It is with a heavy heart and deep sorrow that we regret to inform you that the Queen Mary Islamic Society has been temporarily suspended.” |
It added: “The Isoc is currently appealing this decision and can hopefully resolve any issues to allow the great work to continue InshaaAllah!” | It added: “The Isoc is currently appealing this decision and can hopefully resolve any issues to allow the great work to continue InshaaAllah!” |
In September the government told the National Union of Students (NUS) to abandon its opposition to the Prevent strategy, which is designed to counter the spread of extremism in England and Wales. The government’s new extremism analysis unit claims that at least 70 events featuring hate speakers were held on campuses last year. | |
The NUS has been calling for a boycott of the government’s counter-radicalisation strategy for monitoring students and has launched a tour of five cities to oppose it. |
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