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U.K. bans Islamist groups

Alan Travis

London: Two Britain-based Islamist militant groups, Al-Ghurabaa and the Saved Sect, were on Monday named as the first extremist groups to be banned in Britain under new anti-terror laws. The two groups are believed to be splinter organisations of Al-Muhajiroun, which was dissolved in 2004 by its founder, the radical Muslim cleric Omar Bakri Mohammed, who later fled to Lebanon and is now barred from returning to Britain. The groups are the first to be targeted by Home Secretary John Reid under anti-terror legislation outlawing extremist organisations which ``glorify terrorism''. The Home Office said Al-Ghurabaa's website was registered at the same address and shared the same contact number as Al-Muhajiroun. Both organisations were formed with the aim of ``creating a worldwide Islamic state and encouraging Muslims to support the mujahideen who undertake violent jihad''. Anjem Choudray, who has described himself as Al-Ghurabaa's spokesman, suggested the ban would not stop its supporters organising: ``I think the Muslim community here are willing to sacrifice everything they have to please Allah. ''

— © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2006

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