A storm of controversy is brewing in the United Kingdom, centered on accusations that a London-based Islamic center is actively supporting terrorism. The Islamic Center of England stands accused of selling merchandise emblazoned with the symbols of groups designated as terrorist organizations, raising serious questions about Iran’s influence within British borders.
Potkin Azarmehr, a British-Iranian expert on Iran, paints a stark picture of the center’s origins and purpose. He asserts it functions as a direct extension of the Iranian regime, with its leader appointed by Iran’s Supreme Leader himself – a fact openly acknowledged during installation ceremonies. According to Azarmehr, the center isn’t simply a place of worship, but a hub for recruiting individuals and exporting Iran’s political ideology.
Recent reports detail the alleged sale of Hezbollah phone cases and keyrings glorifying the Iranian regime at a bazaar held in December. One keyring brazenly proclaimed allegiance to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a chilling revelation considering his subsequent order to suppress Iranian protestors with deadly force.
The bazaar also reportedly featured imagery of Qassem Soleimani, the former IRGC commander responsible for the deaths of hundreds of military personnel. His assassination in 2020, ordered by the United States, underscored his dangerous role on the global stage. These items weren’t isolated incidents, but part of a pattern, according to experts.
Emma Schubart, a research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, believes the Islamic Center of England is a crucial component of a wider network of Iranian influence operating openly in the UK. She argues the government’s hesitation to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization allows these networks to flourish under the guise of legitimate civil society.
The Charity Commission, responsible for regulating charities in the UK, acknowledges concerns regarding the material sold at the event and has launched an inquiry. However, Azarmehr expresses deep frustration with the Commission’s pace, stating a five-year investigation has yielded no concrete results, only repeated claims of ongoing inquiry.
Adding another layer of complexity, it’s been revealed that the center’s first leader is now a prominent figure in Iran’s Assembly of Experts, actively promoting Iranian soft power abroad. Furthermore, the center received over £100,000 in COVID-19 furlough payments from a previous UK government.
Alicia Kearns, a Conservative MP, is now demanding the center’s closure and prosecution of those responsible for disseminating terrorist propaganda. She emphasizes the horrific crimes committed by the figures glorified by the merchandise, including the brutal suppression of Iranian protestors.
The Islamic Center of England maintains it takes all concerns seriously and is reviewing the events of December, but offers no further comment. Meanwhile, the European Union recently designated the IRGC as a terrorist entity, joining the United States, Canada, and Australia in doing so.
Recent demonstrations in London have further fueled the debate, with footage emerging of protestors chanting support for the Iranian regime alongside pro-Palestinian slogans. This display of overt support has sparked alarm, with political figures warning of a dangerous trend within the nation. Despite repeated inquiries, the British Prime Minister’s office has remained silent on the matter.
