DUBLIN, 13 November 2005 — Ireland is putting itself at risk of an attack from Islamic militants by allowing Gulf-bound US military planes to refuel on the island, a leading radical British Muslim lawyer said on Friday.
Anjem Choudary, who is being investigated by Irish police over comments made during a university debate on Thursday evening, said media reports that he believed Ireland was a “legitimate” target were incorrect, however.
“I am not threatening the Irish, nor am I giving any veiled threats, but it seems that when a Muslim warns of potential danger then they are seen as terrorists and extremists,” Choudary said by phone during a visit to Dublin.
“When politicians say the same thing, then it’s considered to be political analysis and obviously it’s no problem whatsoever.” According to Ireland’s transport ministry, over 900 aircraft carrying US military personnel or weapons landed in Ireland or used Irish airspace during the first nine months of this year.
The decision to allow the flights has stirred fierce controversy in traditionally neutral Ireland.
On Thursday five members of parliament called on the government to withdraw the services of Shannon airport as a pitstop for the US military.
Choudary, the former head of the now defunct radical Al-Muhajiroun group, said the policy made Ireland look like a supporter of the US-led war in Iraq.
“You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to work out that if you’re allowing your soil to be used for sorties, bombings, then some Muslims are going to see you as collaborators. It’s just one-plus-one really isn’t it?”
Al-Muhajiroun gained notoriety for celebrating the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in the United States.
