In line with the trend of biased and over-sensationalised reporting on the Muslim community, it has emerged that reports by the rightwing think tank Policy Exchange claiming to uncover the sale of extremist literature at British mosques were entirely fabricated. Purporting to be a reputable study based on reliable evidence, the report was in face based on wholly inaccurate information which was invented to support the authors' prejudices. It is deplorable that a supposedly independent and academic institution has purposely chosen to single out and smear an entire community in this way. The British Muslim Initiative calls for the media to exercise more caution in reporting such findings by self-appointed agenda-driven "think tanks".
Anas Altikriti, BMI's spokesman, said, "Considering the serious nature of the allegations and the hugely negative impact they have had on inter-community relations and perceptions, Policy Exchange must be called to account for intentionally inventing facts to spread fear and provoke hatred. This sort of irresponsible hate-mongering is completely unacceptable."
The British Muslim Initiative also calls on the Conservative Party to reconsider their close relationship with Policy Exchange given its utter lack of respect for even minimal standards of objectivity and professionalism. We call on the Conservative Party not to rely on Policy Exchange's utterly flawed and misleading publications and to be more judicious in choosing the basis for its policies towards the Muslim community.
British Muslim Initiative
13 December 2007 |