Radical Cleric: ‘Freedom of Expression Does Not Extend to Insulting’ Muhammad

In light of the Charlie Hebdo massacre, Islamic preacher Anjem Choudary used it to blast free speech. He did not condemn the attacks, but suggested more laws to ban images of Mohammed.

Muslims love the Messenger Muhammad (saw) more than their parents, children and even themselves! Why don’t people understand? #ParisShooting

— Anjem Choudary (@anjemchoudary) January 7, 2015

We must see what the honour of the Prophet means to Muslims after Salman Rushdie, Hirsi Ali, Theo Can Gogh & Terrance McNally #ParisShooting — Anjem Choudary (@anjemchoudary) January 7, 2015

Freedom of expression does not extend to insulting the Prophets of Allah, whatever your views on the events in Paris today! #ParisShooting

— Anjem Choudary (@anjemchoudary) January 7, 2015

There is a conflict in the world between those who believe sovereignty belongs to man & those who believe it belongs to God! #ParisShooting — Anjem Choudary (@anjemchoudary) January 7, 2015

May Allah allow all Muslims & non-Muslims live together under divine law where the honour of citizens & Prophets is protected #ParisShooting

— Anjem Choudary (@anjemchoudary) January 7, 2015

If freedom of expression can be sacrificed for criminalising incitement & hatred, Why not for insulting the Prophet of Allah? #ParisShooting — Anjem Choudary (@anjemchoudary) January 7, 2015

As Mediaite points out, it is not the first time Choudary dabbled in controversy. He was a spokesman “for al-Muhajiroun, a radical group now banned in England.” He shot to fame in the United States in August when he engaged in a fight with FOX News host Sean Hannity after the Islamic State murdered American journalist James Foley.

“If the Americans bomb and murder hundreds of thousands of people and they torture people and they continue to do so in Guantanamo Bay, obviously this will have repercussions,” he said.

Choudary also told Hannity that “Sharia will be implemented in America, it’s coming,” and “Sharia is coming to a place near you.” A few weeks before the appearance, he admitted the pro-Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL) protesters in London were his students. He called them “very good chaps” despite their public support for the terrorist group. In November, he demanded the British government “return his passport and grant him safe passage to Syria, so that he can see what like is like under Sharia law.”