Visit of prominent Muslim cleric banned

By Peter Apps

LONDON (Reuters) - The government has refused a visa to prominent Muslim cleric Youssef al-Qaradawi, accusing him of justifying terrorism and prompting an angry reaction from some Muslim groups.

The Egyptian scholar, who appears on the satellite channel Al Jazeera, opposed the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States and called for Muslims to give blood to survivors but has openly supported Palestinian suicide bombing and attacks on coalition forces in Iraq.

He has also been banned from visiting the United States.

"The UK will not tolerate the presence of those who seek to justify acts of terrorist violence or disburse views that could foster inter-community violence," a Home Office spokeswoman said.

"Advice was sought from other government departments and we made a decision based on the impact of a visit on communities in the UK."

The Conservative party had called for al-Qaradawi to be banned and welcomed the move.

"The government's approach to preachers of hate has been at best timid and at worst downright useless," Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said in a statement.

Britain's Muslim communities say they have felt increasingly pressured since the July 2005 suicide attacks on London's transport system that killed 52 people, with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan further raising tension.