Fury over extremist Hizb ut-Tahrir meeting at East End's Troxy

31 July 2009

By Else Kvist

FURIOUS residents are demanding to know why a Muslim extremist organisation they say is “peddling divisive hatred” was allowed to hold a conference for 2,000 people in London’s East End.

They contacted Tower Hamlets councillors about Hizb ut-Tahrir taking over Stepney's Troxy theatre for the conference last Sunday (July 26), with police being deployed outside.

The group which calls for Sharia Islamic laws to be recognised is banned in many countries.

DANGEROUS

"It is extremely dangerous that this organisation is coming to the East End,” council Tory Opposition deputy leader Tim Archer told the East London Advertiser.

“Hizb ut-Tahrir is known for peddling hatred and violence that can be divisive in the community.”

He is worried that such events could be exploited by the BNP and attract violence.

A woman from nearby Stepney Green told him people in the community were angry about the organisation being allowed to use the venue in Commercial Road and were worried about the divisions it could cause.

The Troxy’s operations manager refused to comment on the event, which police said passed off peacefully.