London, England - The anti-terror bill will create a "significant chill factor" in the Muslim community, censor those who criticise British foreign policy and drive extremists further underground, the government's advisers warned yesterday.
The fears were voiced by the Muslim community working groups set up by the Home Office to prevent the growth of extremism after the July terror attacks. The warning centres on the remaining provisions in the proposed legislation - such as the ban on the "glorification" of terrorist acts - that are likely to become the next focus of parliamentary dissent after Tony Blair's defeat on holding terrorist suspects for 90 days without charge.
The Muslim community's police and security working group report makes clear that many believe the present anti-terror regime is already excessive, and that the measures risk provoking further radicalisation of young British Muslims.
It says the proposal to make "inciting, justifying or glorifying terrorism" a criminal offence "could lead to a significant chill factor in the Muslim community in expressing legitimate support for self-determination struggles around the world". It could also lead to a fear of using "legitimate concepts and terminology" because of the anxiety of being misunderstood by authorities ignorant of Arabic/Islamic vocabulary. For instance, a speech on jihad could easily be misunderstood as glorifying terrorism, and the "extremely thin line" between empathising with the Palestinian cause and justifying the actions of suicide bombers could not be drawn with any legal certainty.
It fears that a proposed Foreign Office database of "foreign extremists" and a Home Office list of extremist websites, bookshops and organisations of concern will lead to a clampdown that will be seen as "censorship of all those who might criticise British foreign policy or call for political unity among Muslims: 'This is disingenuous to say the least, carrying the dual risk of radicalisation and driving the extremists further underground'."
The reports published by the Home Office yesterday said British foreign policy had been "a key contributory factor" in driving extremist groups, and perceptions of injustices inherent in western foreign policy were triggering "radical impulses" among British Muslims.
Ifath Nafwaz, the deputy convenor of the security and policing working group, said: "There is huge concern about the anti-terrorism legislation - that it is excessive and is going to drive people underground. We ask for a dialogue to be opened up with the community."
The anti-terrorism minister, Hazel Blears, admitted that the Muslim community was telling the government "some fairly challenging things", but insisted that the legislation was aimed at terrorists and not at the Muslim community. Ministers this week strengthened the test necessary to bring a prosecution for "glorifying terrorism", with prosecutors now having to demonstrate "reckless intent" to make a charge stick. It is expected that this will prove the main battleground when the terror bill goes to the Lords in 10 days' time.