Radical clerics sent by Iran's regime to the UK threaten the country's ... trends now
View
comments
Iran is threatening Britain's security and values by sending radical regime-sponsored clerics to a 'nerve centre' in west London, a think-tank has warned.
The hardline Islamic Republic of Iran has spent decades 'curating a politico-religious infrastructure in Britain' focused on the Islamic Centre of England (ICEL) – a registered UK charity based in a converted cinema in Maida Vale, a study by Policy Exchange found.
It suggests Iran is using the centre as a base from which to 'undermine our values and impose blasphemy codes'.
It says the director of ICEL is appointed by Iran's spiritual leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, suggesting the centre 'is not merely some dry, arid religious institution' but rather 'sits at the centre of a substantial network of Iranian influence operations within this country'.
It says the director of ICEL is appointed by Iran's spiritual leader, Ayatollah Khamenei (pictured), suggesting the centre 'is not merely some dry, arid religious institution' but rather 'sits at the centre of a substantial network of Iranian influence operations within this country'
ICEL, which states its charitable purpose as advancing the religion of Islam and education and the provision of social and religious welfare facilities, is at the centre of a statutory inquiry by the Charity Commission.
The watchdog launched its inquiry in November 2022 after issuing the charity with an
