UK's counter-extremism strategy faces legal challenge

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON

The British government’s anti-extremism strategy is facing a legal challenge in a High Court case which started in London on Tuesday.

A case filed by Salman Butt, chief editor of news site Islam21c, claims that some aspects of the Prevent strategy violate basic rights, such as freedom of speech.

Prevent is a government strategy which lays out additional responsibilities for educators to report any suspected extremist activities. It says it “aims to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism”.

Butt was named by the U.K.’s Home Office in 2015 as a “non-violent extremist”. A government statement in September that year claimed Butt was acting against British values in his speeches.

“In 2014 there were at least 70 events involving speakers who are known to have promoted rhetoric that aimed to undermine core British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, held on university campuses,” it read.

Butt’s name was added to the list of speakers in the same statement, but he denies having any views contrary to British values.

According to Butt’s website, Tuesday’s court case was given the go-ahead by High Court judge Mr. Justice Ouseley who said the challenge was acceptable on two grounds; that Prevent guidance issued to higher education institutions is unlawful and that the information collected about Butt by Home Office is in breach of the Data Protection Act.

This case is likely to be fought vigorously and go on to the Supreme Court due to its implications for government policy, the judge is also quoted as saying.

The hearing is expected to go on for three days.