British Bishop Says he Faces Threats after Comments on Islamic Extremism

February 2, 2008

Author: Staff Writer

Source: CNews

Wire Service: AP

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2008/02/02/4809529-ap.html

An Anglican bishop who said Islamic extremism is creating "no-go areas" for non-Muslims in Britain says he has received death threats, and a British news agency reported Saturday that he is being given police protection.

Rt. Rev. Michael Nazir-Ali, the bishop of Rochester, raised hackles among many within Britain's 1.6 million-strong Muslim community when he wrote in an editorial last month that extremism was making some Islamic areas inhospitable to their non-Muslims residents.

In a statement posted on his website Friday, the bishop said that "since my article appeared, threats have been made against the safety of my family and myself, and have had to be reported to the police."

Britain's Press Association news agency said the bishop was under police protection, without citing sources. Police said Saturday that they are aware of the situation, but have a policy that prevents them from commenting on matters of personal security.