Local residents are rejecting attempts by Islamic fundamentalists to implement Sharia law in east London.
Posters had appeared in the east London borough of Waltham Forest claiming that it is “a Sharia controlled zone” where Islamic rules will be enforced.
The posters, which have also appeared in other parts of the city, bear images indicating that smoking, alcohol and music are banned.
Fundamentalist
The campaign is being orchestrated by Muslims Against Crusades (MAC), a fundamentalist campaign group who want to establish independent Muslim states within the UK.
However, local residents have distanced themselves from the calls for Sharia law in Waltham Forest.
Muslim
Abdul Rehman, a 56-year-old Muslim originally from Pakistan, said: “They should go to a Muslim country if they want to live under those laws. It has no place in Britain.”
Redzz, a 24-year-old musician, said: “It’s a tiny minority of Muslims who want laws like this.
“People are entitled to their own views but shouldn’t try to tell other people how to live.”
Britain
And 29-year-old insurance worker Sal said: “This is Britain and everyone should live by Britain’s laws.”
Abu Izzadeen, one of MAC’s supporters, insisted that Sharia law was needed.
He said: “It would be changed to the Islamic Emirate of Waltham Forest. Why not? We need Sharia law here.
“We have a big problem with prostitution here, a huge problem with drugs, we have an infestation of gambling shops on the High Road and the free mixing of males and females.”
Removed
Waltham Forest Council says it has removed the posters and is currently reviewing CCTV footage to identify those responsible for displaying the posters.
The news comes as a Bill in the House of Lords seeks to stop Sharia law taking root as a parallel legal system.
The Arbitration and Mediation Services (Equality) Bill, introduced by Baroness Cox, would make it a crime for Sharia courts to falsely claim legal jurisdiction.