Islamic Centre of England Slapped with Official Warning Over Terror Ties
The Charity Commission has hit the Islamic Centre of England Ltd (charity no. 1058998) with an Official Warning. Trustees botched their legal duties, causing serious misconduct and mismanagement.
Charity Linked to Terrorist Praise
The London-based Islamic Centre was set up to promote Islam and educate the Muslim community. But things took a shaky turn on 3 January 2020.
Trustees allowed a candlelit vigil at their West 1 premises to mourn Iranian Major General Qasem Soleimani, who’s been under UK sanctions for terrorism financing since 2011. A speaker at the event was caught on camera praising Soleimani and urging support – potentially breaking Terrorism Act laws. Shockingly, trustees stood by silent, failing to intervene or challenge the message.
Further Praise Sparks Outrage
The very next day, trustees organised another gathering for Soleimani and posted tributes on the charity’s website. This blatant disregard for Charity Commission advice from 2015 on public events and speaker vetting risks dragging the charity’s reputation through the mud.
Charity Commission Takes Action
The regulator exercised its powers under Section 75A of the Charities Act 2011 to slap the Official Warning. Trustees must now review all website content, conduct risk assessments, and carefully vet future events.
Tim Hopkins, Assistant Director of Investigations at the Charity Commission, said:
“The trustees have failed their legal duties and put their charity’s reputation at risk. Any link to terrorism is completely unacceptable and damages public trust in all charities.”
“Charities are meant to build society, not break it. Trustees must act responsibly and follow our guidelines.”
Regulatory Storm Brewing
The warning is publicly posted and the Commission’s probe into the Islamic Centre of England Ltd continues. Ignoring the warning could trigger more severe penalties.
The charity now faces an uphill battle to restore trust and prove it can play by the rules.
