Asbos for radical recruiters

Updated 09.23 Thu Apr 05 2007
Keywords: Lord Goldsmith, Asbo

Religious extremists who try to recruit others to spread their message of hate could be handed Antisocial Behaviour Orders.

Asbos will be used to target the "radicalisers" who cannot be charged with criminal offences, Attorney General Lord Goldsmith said. It comes after Asbos were used to curb animal rights extremists from harassing the public.

"This is not about stopping preachers going to their Mosques, this is not about stopping people being able to express lawfully their opinions" - Lord Goldsmith

Around 30 police officers will be assigned and new counter terrorism units will be opened in Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds.

They are calling on members of the public to use a hotline to tip them off about anyone they suspect of preaching hatred.

Lord Goldsmith said that he had been concerned for some time that not enough was being done to tackle the threat from extremist radicalisers and said it was time for a national strategy to deal with the problem.

Lord Goldsmith said: "This is not about stopping preachers going to their Mosques, this is not about stopping people being able to express lawfully their opinions."

He also issued a plea for anyone who attends a meeting where they believe speakers are inciting hatred to call the national anti-terror hotline on 0800 789321.

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