UK: Membership in Muslim Brotherhood ‘indicator of extremism’

A review conducted by the British government concludes that being a member of the international Muslim Brotherhood organization may be considered a possible indicator of extremism, Reuters reports.

The review adds, however, that the group’s activities should not be banned from taking place in the UK.

“Parts of the Muslim Brotherhood have a highly ambiguous relationship with violent extremism. Both as an ideology and as a network it has been a rite of passage for some individuals and groups who have gone on to engage in violence and terrorism,” Prime Minister David Cameron says in a statement.

Egyptian men chant anti-Israeli slogans during a Muslim Brotherhood-staged anti-Israel rally in Cairo in May. (photo credit: Khalil Hamra/AP)

“Aspects of the Muslim Brotherhood’s ideology and activities therefore run counter to British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, equality and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs,” he adds.

Cameron says the UK will refuse visas to members of the group who have made extremist comments, Reuters reports.