National Secular SocietyThe national conversation following the brutal killing of David Amess suggests an unwillingness to tackle the Islamic extremism behind it, argues Stephen Evans.

The brutal killing of David Amess, stabbed to death at his Essex constituency surgery last week, was a vile, cowardly attack on decency and democracy.

The utter senselessness and callousness of this killing makes it hard to comprehend.

MPs and commentators have understandably expressed shock and grief, taken time to remember a man who dedicated his life to public service, and reflected on his legacy.

But the national conversation around Sir David's killing has also taken a bizarre turn on the issue of what caused it.

In no time at all commentators were blaming the "toxic political discourse" and "social media internet trolls" who hide behind anonymity while spreading hate.

This certainly is an issue, but it doesn't appear to be the issue, not as far as this murder is concerned.

The crime is being investigated as a terrorist incident. The suspect, Ali Harbi Ali, a Briton of Somali heritage, appears to have links to Islamic extremism, and was previously referred to the counterterrorist Prevent scheme. The Crown Prosecution Service will submit to the court that the murder had both religious and ideological motivations.

Continue reading @ National Secular Society.

Islamist Extremism Won’t Be Addressed By Ignoring It

National Secular SocietyThe national conversation following the brutal killing of David Amess suggests an unwillingness to tackle the Islamic extremism behind it, argues Stephen Evans.

The brutal killing of David Amess, stabbed to death at his Essex constituency surgery last week, was a vile, cowardly attack on decency and democracy.

The utter senselessness and callousness of this killing makes it hard to comprehend.

MPs and commentators have understandably expressed shock and grief, taken time to remember a man who dedicated his life to public service, and reflected on his legacy.

But the national conversation around Sir David's killing has also taken a bizarre turn on the issue of what caused it.

In no time at all commentators were blaming the "toxic political discourse" and "social media internet trolls" who hide behind anonymity while spreading hate.

This certainly is an issue, but it doesn't appear to be the issue, not as far as this murder is concerned.

The crime is being investigated as a terrorist incident. The suspect, Ali Harbi Ali, a Briton of Somali heritage, appears to have links to Islamic extremism, and was previously referred to the counterterrorist Prevent scheme. The Crown Prosecution Service will submit to the court that the murder had both religious and ideological motivations.

Continue reading @ National Secular Society.

1 comment:

  1. What us Islamic extremism? Does it only count if it results in death rather than things like gross genital butchery, cutting off hands, legs or tongues, depending in the perceived offence? Or tge subjugation of women and girls? Or what about its opposition to the humane slaughter of animals? As religions go, Islam is pretty frigging extreme.

    The author of this piece appears to be only concerned about a small section of Muslims that are being viewed seperate from the mainstream. What about all the moderate Muslims that support honour killings or persecution of gay men... is that not extremism... or is that acceptable levels of extremism that should be ignored?

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