Watford councillor was member of radical Islamic group (From Watford Observer)

Perhaps it would have been wise for Councillor Khan to have been open about his 'previous' views when he stood for election as it now looks like he was hiding them for some reason. Better to be open about these things?

"I want the next Barack Obama to come from the UK and why not the Muslim community?”

Any reason why should someone who doesn't, be any less of a competent leader?

I find it hard to believe that Mr Khan became a vocal opponent of the organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir ( a radical islamic movement) he became involved with and its ideology that he so strongly believed in and was a senior member.

He says he has completely disavowed such opinions in articles that were written almost a decade ago. that would be 2002 then, but was he not still a member of the 'group' until 2007. You can't give up on what you believe in as part of that organisation but still be a member of the organisation for 4 more years.

I find it hard to believe that Mr Khan is being sincere and honest about his beliefs.

Labour need to be taking note of his position, as do the residents the right thing for Mr Khan to do right now is resign.

A political role is a responsible public role entrusted by the voters and Mr Khan has broken this trust. Without trust, respect and credibility, it would be wrong for Mr Khan to continue in his role as councillor.

Also here is a question, with someone who has in the past held these extreme views, should they be trusted in western politics today?

Would you allow someone who admitted to having urges in the past to cause harm to a child, but never done so, to work WITH children?

Quite an emotive comparison granted, but however, I still find it valid.

If a person said that in their youth they were a member of the BNP but had now grown out of it just like Mr Khan would they be believed ?

So a politician has a few skeletons in the cupboard? A politician has a slightly regretable (which he has now turned full circle against) past?

This is hardly news-worthy in my opinion. I am more concerned what my "elected" representitves can do now and not what they were doing almost 10 years!!

Must be a really really slow news day .....

Interesting one. People do change their views; it is called 'growing up'. I know lots of people who in their student days claimed to be communist, even anarchist. Now they drive a Ford Focus and walk the labrador before checking how their share prices are doing in the FT.

However, this appears to be quite a late case of that, so I'd have some doubts.

Is there any truth in the rumour that on his release today from prison Abu Qatada has announced he has had a rethink and grown up and is now going to join the Salvation Army, as a result will from now on be a thoroughly good bloke ?

Phil i don't really think comments like that help the situation! What a decision in the european courts has to do in relation to a local concillor i don't know .....comparing apple and pears ol'boy

myangle wrote:
I find it hard to believe that Mr Khan became a vocal opponent of the organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir ( a radical islamic movement) he became involved with and its ideology that he so strongly believed in and was a senior member.

He says he has completely disavowed such opinions in articles that were written almost a decade ago. that would be 2002 then, but was he not still a member of the 'group' until 2007. You can't give up on what you believe in as part of that organisation but still be a member of the organisation for 4 more years.

I find it hard to believe that Mr Khan is being sincere and honest about his beliefs.

Labour need to be taking note of his position, as do the residents the right thing for Mr Khan to do right now is resign.

A political role is a responsible public role entrusted by the voters and Mr Khan has broken this trust. Without trust, respect and credibility, it would be wrong for Mr Khan to continue in his role as councillor.

This is an extremely naive assessment of the situation. As somebody who studies radicalisation and extremism there are plenty of people who become indoctrinated by particular ideologies only to later disavow them with passion. Look up people such as Ed Husain, Shiraz Maher, Maajid Nawaz...they are only some of the many high profile members of Hizb ut-Tahrir who have refuted their previous beliefs.

As for remaining a member of the group for such a long time, what you actually find with members in groups such as this is that they disavow their beliefs a long time before they leave the organisation. They do not leave at that time however because as part of their indoctrination they have removed themselves from all life out of the organisation itself. Thus they lose their friends and often they no longer keep contact with their families if neither of whom are in the organisation. It is not a simple choice then of leaving a group that you no longer agree with but is instead an issue that one will lose all of their friends, and indeed many lose their partners when they leave the group.

I thoroughly recommend to anyone interested to read Ed Husain 'The Islamist'. Only then can you see how somebody is brought into Hizb ut-Tahrir and then most of all how difficult it is to leave.

As for Asif Kahn I hope he uses his experience to help young disaffected youth resist such groups.

As for theturpster's comment, being a member of Hizb ut-Tahrir is not a crime. It does not mean in any shape or form that you are about to embark on terrorism nor are you condoning violence. Yes it increases the chances of becoming involved, but does not equate to this.

Didn't Saul - the demented purger of the followers of Jesus have a conversion on the road to Damascus - becoming Saint Paul and the key promoter of the Christian religon?

People did/do have quite radical changes of views - especially in religous/cultural/po
litical contexts.

...you say, 'it increases the chances of becoming involved in terroism'... well, that's all right then, we can all relax and go and join the group??? Happy days!!! Not!

myangle wrote:
...you say, 'it increases the chances of becoming involved in terroism'... well, that's all right then, we can all relax and go and join the group??? Happy days!!! Not!

A correlation doesn't make something a fact. Radicalisation is a process. You can look at anything and say that this increases your chances of something, it doesn't mean in any shape or form that you are going to do that. Going on a plane increase your chances of dieing in a plane crash, becoming involved in an extremist ideology will increase your chances of becoming involved in an act of course it will. But radicalisation is like somebody climbing Everest. Most of the time people do not get to the top, they bow out early...this is what it seems has happened with this councillor.

I found this article on line written by Shiraz Maher entitled Hizb ut Tahrir implodes written June 19th 2011 and I quote directly;

“Then Asif Khan allegedly told other members he was resigning because of the cowardice of HT’s global leader Ata abu Rishta who is in hiding (and has been for many years). By contrast, Khan argued, Benazir Bhutto (for all her faults) had at least stood by her ideas and tried to affect public change in Pakistan. If she could demonstrate such commitment to her ideas – and die for them – then why should HT’s leader remain in hiding”

Shiraz Maher certainly has a different view on the situation.

Perhaps someone who was engaged to join such a group would better understand the political and social drives behind people joining radical organisations. Do you not think he would, ipso facto, be best placed to ensure that disenfranchised and angry young muslims have somewhere less extreme to turn to for support?

Sanity 750 wrote:
I found this article on line written by Shiraz Maher entitled Hizb ut Tahrir implodes written June 19th 2011 and I quote directly;

“Then Asif Khan allegedly told other members he was resigning because of the cowardice of HT’s global leader Ata abu Rishta who is in hiding (and has been for many years). By contrast, Khan argued, Benazir Bhutto (for all her faults) had at least stood by her ideas and tried to affect public change in Pakistan. If she could demonstrate such commitment to her ideas – and die for them – then why should HT’s leader remain in hiding”

Shiraz Maher certainly has a different view on the situation.

I am not sure I understand? Is this saying that he admires people that stand by their views and that people should show commitment and be prepared to dies for their views?

Sanity 750, thats a very interesting article. All I would say is in relation to this story, whilst the article was written recently, it still states that Asif left in 2007. Plus what was said to members was 'alleged', and Shiraz had made it clear that he had personally been ostracised by Asif etc for leaving so their may be some element of backlash. (obviously I do not know, I'm only speculating and playing devils advocate here) but even if true he left in 2007 which is more than long enough for anybody to change their lives.

The point about the article by Shiraz Maher is that it directly contradicts the reason Khan has given for leaving for leaving Hizbut Tahrir. I don't find Khan's reason at all convincing, especially when you know he is the author of a book on Islamic Jurisprudence. Is he trying to tell us that he now doesn't believe that as well, because the imposition of Sharia law goes against pretty much all of the safeguards in western judicial systems.
I do wish Mr Wright had asked some searching questions along those lines . It would also be interesting to know if the Labour party knew of his background. .

Asif Khan should resign because he stood for the Council under false pretences. His beliefs are not those of "Labour" but those of "Hizb ut Tahrir. Obviously, he would have had no chance of winning an election as his true self.

Mabasher, your silly little sign off 'ol'boy' says more about you than a thousand words can.

My question wasn't about the legality of being a member of this group, but if there are companies who are recorded to have sacked employees for being members of certain political parties?

Surely what's good enough for the goose is good enough for the gander?

Oh my god this is truly shocking stuff if true. Another thing did Cllr Asif tell Labour about his past. I'm sure that he would have been required to say if he knows of anything in his past which could cause a problem in the selection/interview stage and before he stood as their canidate. If he didnt then what has he got to hide, however if he did inform Labour Party of Watford then there are very serious questions raised. Either way its very nasty !

clarkie and feff this stuff is sick man !

So he has only been a member of the Labour party for two years.

He admits he has been a member of Hizb ut-Tahrir for seven years.

I suppose we should draw our own conclusions.

It's revealing that MJ1 seems to have lost his tongue.

Isn't he the fellow who during the 90's had potential candidates investigated by a firm of private detectives?

What happened in this case? Surely anyone with a computer would have turned up this connection within a few clicks

Just one click gets you here:
http://www.spittoon.
org/archives/9933

Incompetent?

Ain't in it when it comes to this particular control freak, just ask his first lieutenant, bible basher, Andrew1963

The more you look the more you find;





Press Statement

London, UK, 14th March - Following elections for the UK Wilayah (Executive) Committee on the evening of Saturday 13th March 2004, corresponding to the night of the 23rd of Muharram 1425 Hijri, Hizb ut-Tahrir - Britain, wishes to announce the results to the Muslim community.

The UK Executive Committee is the leadership circle of the Party in Britain and is responsible for directing and supervising the work of the Party. Elections are held on a regular basis and members of the Party nominate and elect fellow members into the UK Executive Committee. This year there were a total of 16 nominees for the 9 available positions in the UK and the following were elected:


Dr. Abdul Wahid - General Medical Practitioner from Harrow, Middlesex
Asif Dawood - Management Accountant from Slough, Berkshire
Asif Khan - College Teacher from Watford, Hertfordshire
Farooq Khan - Strategy Analyst from Solihull, West Midlands
Hassan Mujtaba – IT Lecturer from East Ham, London
Jalaluddin Patel – IT Engineer from Ilford, London
Qasim Khawaja - Technical Architect from Oxford
Salim Atchia - Clinical Governance Practitioner from Norwich
Shaban ul-Haq - IT Project Manager from Luton

This is worrying, they are a very militant organisation and its frightening to think one slipped through the net to become a labour councillor. You here about this stuff on the news. There is surely no way back......

Out of a population of 50 million plus, why cant we have people that are squeeky clean?

'Since leaving, he said he had become a vocal opponent of the organisation and its ideology within the Muslim community'

Evidence of that connot be found on anywhere the web!

Anyway, if he is what Leggatt's and the Labour party want - then so be it, we still live in a democracy...just!

Also, It would be interesting to know if the Muslim community are behind him.

Then at last we would get an answer to many a question.

Lets not sensationalise this,

I have met asif more then once and what I read here is not what I have come to know of the man.

As a member of the watford community I am shocked by what I have read here and find that this kind of trashy artical is better suited to the confines of the sun.

Asif is man of faith, family great compasion and understanding.

Asif has been one of the most hardworking councillors this town has had for quite some years and is doing a good job at holding the council to account on key issues.

What is done is done and we should judge on what the man aims to do and will do in the future.

Asif you have nothing but my thoughts at this time and im sure the people of leggats will judge you on the service you have given them.

not what was said 10 years ago

Iwaslookingforajoban
dthenifoundajob wrote:
Lets not sensationalise this,

I have met asif more then once and what I read here is not what I have come to know of the man.

As a member of the watford community I am shocked by what I have read here and find that this kind of trashy artical is better suited to the confines of the sun.

Asif is man of faith, family great compasion and understanding.

Asif has been one of the most hardworking councillors this town has had for quite some years and is doing a good job at holding the council to account on key issues.

What is done is done and we should judge on what the man aims to do and will do in the future.

Asif you have nothing but my thoughts at this time and im sure the people of leggats will judge you on the service you have given them.

not what was said 10 years ago

Absolutely! Interesting that this rubbishing of Asif Khan has come up now.

Hands up those who didn't say and do things in their youth which they now regret or from which they have learnt.

Is this a distraction put about by the LibDems to keep the public's mind off the goings on behind the by-election in Central and the exorbitant and unnecessary £millions to be spent on the pond area (whilst neglecting other parts of the town)?

My support and compassion goes to Asif for what he is doing now as a brilliant, active councillor for Leggatts and a strong voice within the Labour group at the Town Hall bringing the LibDem led council to account.

blah-blah wrote:

Iwaslookingforajoban

dthenifoundajob wrote:
Lets not sensationalise this,

I have met asif more then once and what I read here is not what I have come to know of the man.

As a member of the watford community I am shocked by what I have read here and find that this kind of trashy artical is better suited to the confines of the sun.

Asif is man of faith, family great compasion and understanding.

Asif has been one of the most hardworking councillors this town has had for quite some years and is doing a good job at holding the council to account on key issues.

What is done is done and we should judge on what the man aims to do and will do in the future.

Asif you have nothing but my thoughts at this time and im sure the people of leggats will judge you on the service you have given them.

not what was said 10 years ago

Absolutely! Interesting that this rubbishing of Asif Khan has come up now.

Hands up those who didn't say and do things in their youth which they now regret or from which they have learnt.

Is this a distraction put about by the LibDems to keep the public's mind off the goings on behind the by-election in Central and the exorbitant and unnecessary £millions to be spent on the pond area (whilst neglecting other parts of the town)?

My support and compassion goes to Asif for what he is doing now as a brilliant, active councillor for Leggatts and a strong voice within the Labour group at the Town Hall bringing the LibDem led council to account.

Here Here

Iwaslookingforajoban
dthenifoundajob wrote:

blah-blah wrote:

Iwaslookingforajoban


dthenifoundajob wrote:
Lets not sensationalise this,

I have met asif more then once and what I read here is not what I have come to know of the man.

As a member of the watford community I am shocked by what I have read here and find that this kind of trashy artical is better suited to the confines of the sun.

Asif is man of faith, family great compasion and understanding.

Asif has been one of the most hardworking councillors this town has had for quite some years and is doing a good job at holding the council to account on key issues.

What is done is done and we should judge on what the man aims to do and will do in the future.

Asif you have nothing but my thoughts at this time and im sure the people of leggats will judge you on the service you have given them.

not what was said 10 years ago

Absolutely! Interesting that this rubbishing of Asif Khan has come up now.

Hands up those who didn't say and do things in their youth which they now regret or from which they have learnt.

Is this a distraction put about by the LibDems to keep the public's mind off the goings on behind the by-election in Central and the exorbitant and unnecessary £millions to be spent on the pond area (whilst neglecting other parts of the town)?

My support and compassion goes to Asif for what he is doing now as a brilliant, active councillor for Leggatts and a strong voice within the Labour group at the Town Hall bringing the LibDem led council to account.

Here Here

Oh, dear, now you pushed it too far. There is no doubt this story is in the public interest.
But you are now suggesting the Lib Dems brought it up as some sort of political tool.

The man either was or wasn't an active member of a radical group. The public have a right to know that when they go to the polls. I'm neutral, and don't see this as some smear campagain; just reporting the truth.

It has nothing to do with the pond, and in fact I would suggest that is a distraction tactic on your part. Why would you do that?
Is there more we should know?

Iwaslookingforajoban
dthenifoundajob wrote:
Lets not sensationalise this,

I have met asif more then once and what I read here is not what I have come to know of the man.

As a member of the watford community I am shocked by what I have read here and find that this kind of trashy artical is better suited to the confines of the sun.

Asif is man of faith, family great compasion and understanding.

Asif has been one of the most hardworking councillors this town has had for quite some years and is doing a good job at holding the council to account on key issues.

What is done is done and we should judge on what the man aims to do and will do in the future.

Asif you have nothing but my thoughts at this time and im sure the people of leggats will judge you on the service you have given them.

not what was said 10 years ago

I'm sure all these glowing comments were said about that "nice" primary school teacher who went on to attack London on 7/7 as well!

A few chance meetings with this chap and people become fully trained psychologists.

He's admitted to being part of this anti western way of life outfit, leopards never change their spots, position untenable, end of discussion.

Search the 'net if you want information about this groups operations. They apparently have no qualms about setting themselves up as non-members in order to infiltrate political parties and governments.


"Hizb-ut-Tahrir plans its development in three stages," said Dr Satpayev. "First they convert new members. Secondly, they establish a network of secret cells, and finally, they try to infiltrate the government to work to legalise their party and its aims."

As one of the leading members of this organisation he would certainly have been on a Special Branch watch list.

I wonder if he is still judged a threat to our security by Special Branch?

What You Can and Can't Say
Submitted by asaf.khan01 on 3 November 2003 - 7:29pm
Subjects:
• American power & the world
• democracy & power

May I remind everyone that in this website we can write about all political matters freely, except of course, the criticism of the Israeli government. I tried this several times and had my posts removed, this is because we are free of course!!! Freedom is synonymous with censorship isn't it?! I don't expect this post to last more than an hour either, but because I have predicted it's censorship perhaps it may be allowed so the editors can continue to believe in the virtues of democracy and free speech. "Free thinking for the World" or "Think like us or die"! This website, like the promises of democracy, is full of….

I had to cut the last word out because the Observer site wouldn’t except a swear word.

fugu wrote:
Search the 'net if you want information about this groups operations. They apparently have no qualms about setting themselves up as non-members in order to infiltrate political parties and governments.


"Hizb-ut-Tahrir plans its development in three stages," said Dr Satpayev. "First they convert new members. Secondly, they establish a network of secret cells, and finally, they try to infiltrate the government to work to legalise their party and its aims."

Nusrah is basically gaining assistance to seek power.


"For a comprehensive explanation of the concept of nusrah see Asif Khan, ‘The Search for the Nusrah’. In Khilafah Magazine 16, no. 1 (Jan 2003): 18-21

See Sisters of Hizb ut-Tahrir, Britain, The Responsibility of Muslim Sisters in Britain (London: Al-Khilafah, 2003), 41 for a list of people from whom the nusrah should be seek from"


Asif Khan had political aims while an active member of Hizb ut-Tahrir and is obviously well versed in the advantages of hiding your motives, gaining political power, then enforcing your will.

He may well have turned his back on his past but I'm yet to be convinced. Especially as political infiltration, by hook or by crook, was one of the groups stated aims when he was a member.

The fact that he seems to allude to himself being the next Obama is slightly creepy.

From the Open Democracy form site
http://www.opendemoc
racy.net/freedom_of_
speech_5#comment-411
051

Freedom of Speech?
Submitted by asaf.khan01 on 3 November 2003 - 7:10pm
Subjects:



I have had three posts removed because I express views others do not agree with, but it is only written, I am not physically hurting anyone so why on Earth am I being censored? "Free thinking for the World"? or "Thinking the way the World wants you to think"? A perfect example of democracy on the whole: full of ....



.
Re: Freedom of Speech?
Submitted by Solana Larsen on 4 November 2003 - 6:45am.
Dear Asif Khan, When you login to the discussion forums you agree to the following conditions: "Please use the forums in the spirit of openDemocracy. Be respectful of others, no matter how disagreeable you find their views!" Several of your posts were unpolite, disrespectful, and downright offensive to other members. I am sorry that you disagree. Solana Larsen Forum Moderator

Would Labour allow someone to become a councillor who used to be a member of the BNP or the National Front? I doubt it even if they denounced thos parties now. This Councillor should step down because as someone else has said he was elected under false pretences

He needs to be watched,VERY CLOSELY

I met Asif Khan on Sunday at the wreath laying ceremony at Watford Town Hall and had a conversation with him. He struck me as being a normal person with concerns over matters like social justice and appears a committed ward councillor.
In 1983, the Labour Party manifesto included commitments to nationalise the top 200 companies in the country, as well as voluntarily give up nuclear weapons.
Around 10 million UK citizens voted for these policies. Are they all still to be considered "suspect" for their previous beliefs.
Incidentally, I still consider myself to be a democratic socialist and support the nationalization of key industries which provide important services for people's well-being.
The recent expose about banks and other financial organizations manipulating energy and commodity markets only go to prove that you cannot trust capitalist oligopolies with essential services.
I have no objection to them providing goods and services which are non-essential to peoples' lives. I just don't trust them to provide essential services but am happy to see them introducing new products and services.
Were we not all better off when energy, water and public transport were all publicly owned and operated on behalf of all members of the public, not just the selfish interests of a minority group of managers and shareholders?

This is disturbing on several levels.

Maybe this leopard has changed his spots, such things happen and if true he should be commended for it, he could be an example to others in the future.

However, because of the shadowy nature of such organisations and their tactics for obtaining their goals, his position as a councillor is surely now completely untenable. Why he ever thought he would be accepted in politics after such a prominent background is strange in itself.

His past precludes his future in politics, the sooner he goes the better, for Watford and the Labour party.

There is one very important point here however that I don't think has yet been answered.

Was the Labour party aware of his past?

I would love to know their position on this difficult issue. Is the Labour party, locally and nationally, aware of his past and happy to have him as an elected official?

We need that answer, and we need it fast.

MJ1 - over to you. You really need to join in this debate and answer this question.

He needs to go now!!!!!!

The sooner the better.

I was shocked when I went on line and read his views.

He is probably already being watched because of his past connections and involvement with Hizb ut-Tahrir, quite right too.

Credibility and trust are key factors to survive in a public role, and Councillor Khan has lost both.

He should have been up front about his involvement activities within Hizb ut-Tahrir, but saying that, had the community known about this at the time of his election, he would not have gained much support and lost.

Not many voters would feel comfortable voting for a candidate with his now known history in politics. His Labour supporters must be hopping mad with a feeling of betrayal. awkward times for the Watford Labour Party and many questions need to be answering as this one slipped through their vetting procedures. Whoops!!

Time to step down Mr Khan...credibility is everything and you have lost that.

I think you all need to calm down in a darkened room for an hour or two. Stop getting your knickers in a knot. I don't blame you for ending up with these views when you ingorge a daily diet of Sun and Mail but you should put the Qatada hysteria to one side and give Asif Khan a break.
I am pleased he is embracing the values of democracy and civic engagement - and so should all of you.

Phil leave the sarcasm for those who can

I don't think your suggestion of calming down is the solution to all this.

A public role is now in question as trust has been clearly broken. It is not therefore, acceptable to ignore the issues raised and accept 'all will be well'.

There are many important issues which have now being raised, and probably many more to come, around Mr Khan's past and important questions must now be asked, not just about Mr Khan, but the Labour Party too, and to allow views by the public to be expressed.

Perhaps now is the time to start talking about how such organisations get started and why people join them. Academics have been studying recruitment to radical and extremist groups for a while - you could probably find a public lecture on it if you tried. Here's a name to get you started: Scott Atran.

I suspect one line of inquiry might go along the lines of, "These groups form out of a disenfranchised people, mainly young adults, who identify themselves as belonging to a group who are seen to be repressed or a minority or shunned by "mainstream" society, whether that is true or not. One might ask what future do they have? What message does it send to the next wave of angry young people that their expression of passion or religiosity could bar them from public office or indeed wide respect? Do we show them that 'Western democracy' rejects them ultimately, that there is no redemption for religious extremism in the eyes of a secular state? But Allah forgives, and this is such a fundamental part of religious belief should we not be cautious about driving people into atrocious acts?"

Just a line of inquiry, as I said. Something to think about.

I agree that we should look in to why people join these groups in the first place.

But after what I have read on line he must go.

TRT wrote:
Perhaps now is the time to start talking about how such organisations get started and why people join them. Academics have been studying recruitment to radical and extremist groups for a while - you could probably find a public lecture on it if you tried. Here's a name to get you started: Scott Atran.

I suspect one line of inquiry might go along the lines of, "These groups form out of a disenfranchised people, mainly young adults, who identify themselves as belonging to a group who are seen to be repressed or a minority or shunned by "mainstream" society, whether that is true or not. One might ask what future do they have? What message does it send to the next wave of angry young people that their expression of passion or religiosity could bar them from public office or indeed wide respect? Do we show them that 'Western democracy' rejects them ultimately, that there is no redemption for religious extremism in the eyes of a secular state? But Allah forgives, and this is such a fundamental part of religious belief should we not be cautious about driving people into atrocious acts?"

Just a line of inquiry, as I said. Something to think about.

I think there is a difference between studying academic recruitment and getting directly involved in the activities of a group and writing articles in support of that group.

Also, we need to remember that not everyone rushes to get involved in the kind of group Mr Khan got involved in, but he did. He is supposedly an educated and intelligent man, so he must have been aware of the extremeness of the group he joined, so not a vulnerable type in that sense.

Had a think on this overnight. The reasonable point of view is that the time to have distanced himself from this organisation would have been before his election. Otherwise he looks like an infiltrationist, which I understand is one of the traits of members of this organisation.

Had we heard him make statements about islamic extremism before this story broke, his denials now would I think be more credible.

I think people can change views, but a public figure in his position and his background has a duty to renounce and condemn extremism from day 1 - he didn't do that - which naturally fuels suspicion.

Furthermore, he was an active senior member of this group which professes to overthrow western democracy. So he wasn't just expressing a youthful opinion, but actively seeking the imposition of an Islamic dictatorship.

You make good points, Engineer1. However, I wonder if he had stood for election on an anti-extremist stance, announcing his previous affiliation and his rejection of those ideals, would he have stood a cat in Jahannam's chance of being elected? One wonders if he was coached or counseled to gloss over this part of his life? If so, I would question the wisdom of this advice.

myangle wrote:
I don't think your suggestion of calming down is the solution to all this.

A public role is now in question as trust has been clearly broken. It is not therefore, acceptable to ignore the issues raised and accept 'all will be well'.

There are many important issues which have now being raised, and probably many more to come, around Mr Khan's past and important questions must now be asked, not just about Mr Khan, but the Labour Party too, and to allow views by the public to be expressed.

Personally I find it hard to trust a politician. Most of them are in it for personal gain, and this has been proved on more than one occasion in recent years.

How do we know he is not still attached to these extremists? How do we know he is not "working undercover"?

I dont think words are going to get him out of this one. He will have lost the trust of a lot of voters.

Engineer1 wrote:

Sanity 750 wrote:
I found this article on line written by Shiraz Maher entitled Hizb ut Tahrir implodes written June 19th 2011 and I quote directly;

“Then Asif Khan allegedly told other members he was resigning because of the cowardice of HT’s global leader Ata abu Rishta who is in hiding (and has been for many years). By contrast, Khan argued, Benazir Bhutto (for all her faults) had at least stood by her ideas and tried to affect public change in Pakistan. If she could demonstrate such commitment to her ideas – and die for them – then why should HT’s leader remain in hiding”

Shiraz Maher certainly has a different view on the situation.

I am not sure I understand? Is this saying that he admires people that stand by their views and that people should show commitment and be prepared to dies for their views?

"There are many causes that I am prepared to die for but no causes that I am prepared to kill for." - Mohandas Ghandi. An inspiration to those seeking political change and recognition for a peoples.

An unfortunate slip of memory not to have explained his situation before his election. Most of us have skeletons in the cupbord that are best aired (at least to their party) before going into public life. An even more unfortunate slip by the local Labour Party Chairman 'not to have known of this matter until last week'. Knowing that man's proclivity to delve into all things grubby, salacious and dubious, expecially when non-Labour Party people are involved, I am amazed that he has not managed to dig this out. It's a couple of keystrokes on Google to find AK's history.

"It's a couple of keystrokes on Google to find AK's history."

Hardly, then, a covert plot to infiltrate the lower tiers of UK government for the purposes of creating a sharia state!

Do we all forget he's been a councillor for over Two years
He works in a local college and is a Governor of a local school
He must go now and I can't beleive Labour knew nothing It's such a disgrace that he could get so into local politics
If he really does repent for his involvment than maybe stand again in seven years or will this tip him back into his old ways

How about we let the electorate decide in two years time in a legal and democratic process rather than baying for blood?

TRT wrote:
How about we let the electorate decide in two years time in a legal and democratic process rather than baying for blood?

TRT, why didn't he tell the electorate when he stood for election? The residents should have had the opportunity to know his background when he stood - which was not so long after he says his association with extremism is supposed to have ended.

If a Tory councillor is found to have previously been a leading member of the BNP and hid it from the electorate then residents would feel equally aggrieved.

Both are lawful organisations and if people stand for those organisations then fair enough. But this organisation looks like it has a policy of infiltration. He hid his previous views... so he looks like an infiltrator.

I want Labour to do well; I think Ed Milliband is a decent chap. I would consider voting Labour at the next big election. But I'm now nervous about the party's vetting procedures in Watford. Lets hope the future Labour MP candidate is more honest with the party than Mr Khan and we can vote for them in full confidence and get rid of the Tories.

I feel sorry for the bloke. He may well have renounced his old ways but it is unlikely the electorate of Watford are going to trust him now this secret is out. There is a built-in abhorrence and mistrust of that type of organisation amongst decent-minded people who want to live and let live.

He and the Watford Labour party only have two options. He goes now or he goes later, at election time.

It would do everyone a favour if he went now, and I believe both he and the Labour party will know that is the right thing to do, despite their clinging on.

This will not blow over, it can only have one outcome.

As I said, I feel sorry for him. Many people have said what a decent person he is. He says he has renounced that distasteful militant past, yet I doubt the electorate will forgive him for hiding it from them.

Engineer1, I agree with you, but you cannot remove someone from elected office just like that you know.

Great Watford borough council will be laughing stock having islamic extremist as a councillor He has to go now!!!!!!!!!
How can anyone trust labour

Just look at the last Labour council in Watford and the last Labour government.

And you question how anyone can trust Labour?

You're right, how can anyone trust Labour? This spectacle just makes it worse.

I think he needs to be given the opportunity disassociate himself from some of the views he expressed in the Khilafah magazine over a three year period (longer than he has been a member of the Labour party)

He says “I have completely disavowed such opinions”. I would feel happier if he made it clear that he doesn’t support any of the statements he made below;

“A Muslim woman’s marriage to a disbeliever is clearly unlawful as mentioned in the ayah of the Qur’an”.

“has there been any election in which the Muslims did not disagree, such as the local elections in the UK, where some Muslims joined or voted for the Liberal Democrats; the party that was in power when the Khilafah was destroyed. Some advocated the joining of the Conservative party, and some even were proud to display the fact that they were members of the Labour party.”
“The same can be said about the current Labour Party, where many Muslims voted for this part expecting the lives of Muslims to be easier, but instead it has been full of misery.”
“The tangible, perceptible reality shows us that the benefit of participating in the political life of the West is imaginary and not real.”


“the original principle we carry is that the Islamic rule should have supremacy over the whole earth. The principle should not be the acceptance of kufr rule and subjugation to it.”


The view regarding the right of citizenship cannot serve as a justification for participation in the political life or for anything else.”


“punishing the thief with anything other than the actual cutting of the hand is a non-Islamic rule.


Much of the focus has been put into the political assimilation of the Muslims in the West. The consequence of this assimilation, or integration, will be the loosing of the Islamic identity of the Muslims in the West.” “Our mindset has become besotted with some of its thoughts such as individualism, personal freedoms, and the like. This has resulted in the thoughts and sentiments of many Muslims, being tainted with these rotten ideas.


“During the early 20th century, homosexuality was considered an abominable manifestation of the devil and today it is not only accepted as normal, but the entire culture of homosexuality is being enforced in the school curriculum.”


the only solution, to the current crisis for the Islamic Ummah is the return of the obligation which Allah has ordered us with the Khilafah Rashidah.”


“It is clear from the ayah of the Qur'an that it is not lawful for Muslim women to be married to disbelievers”



“Any legislation, which has not been approved in Islam by any text of Shari'ah, must be rejected”

His beard isn't long enough for him to be an extremist in my opinion. He however has got very shifty eyes and a false smile so.............. guilty I say! Guilty of what I am not sure but he definitely done it.

Sanity 750 wrote:
I think he needs to be given the opportunity disassociate himself from some of the views he expressed in the Khilafah magazine over a three year period (longer than he has been a member of the Labour party)

He says “I have completely disavowed such opinions”. I would feel happier if he made it clear that he doesn’t support any of the statements he made below;

“A Muslim woman’s marriage to a disbeliever is clearly unlawful as mentioned in the ayah of the Qur’an”.

“has there been any election in which the Muslims did not disagree, such as the local elections in the UK, where some Muslims joined or voted for the Liberal Democrats; the party that was in power when the Khilafah was destroyed. Some advocated the joining of the Conservative party, and some even were proud to display the fact that they were members of the Labour party.”
“The same can be said about the current Labour Party, where many Muslims voted for this part expecting the lives of Muslims to be easier, but instead it has been full of misery.”
“The tangible, perceptible reality shows us that the benefit of participating in the political life of the West is imaginary and not real.”


“the original principle we carry is that the Islamic rule should have supremacy over the whole earth. The principle should not be the acceptance of kufr rule and subjugation to it.”


The view regarding the right of citizenship cannot serve as a justification for participation in the political life or for anything else.”


“punishing the thief with anything other than the actual cutting of the hand is a non-Islamic rule.


Much of the focus has been put into the political assimilation of the Muslims in the West. The consequence of this assimilation, or integration, will be the loosing of the Islamic identity of the Muslims in the West.” “Our mindset has become besotted with some of its thoughts such as individualism, personal freedoms, and the like. This has resulted in the thoughts and sentiments of many Muslims, being tainted with these rotten ideas.


“During the early 20th century, homosexuality was considered an abominable manifestation of the devil and today it is not only accepted as normal, but the entire culture of homosexuality is being enforced in the school curriculum.”


the only solution, to the current crisis for the Islamic Ummah is the return of the obligation which Allah has ordered us with the Khilafah Rashidah.”


“It is clear from the ayah of the Qur'an that it is not lawful for Muslim women to be married to disbelievers”



“Any legislation, which has not been approved in Islam by any text of Shari'ah, must be rejected”

Fair comment. Will he denounce his previous writings, specifically, point by point?

Reg Edit wrote:

Sanity 750 wrote: I think he needs to be given the opportunity disassociate himself from some of the views he expressed in the Khilafah magazine over a three year period (longer than he has been a member of the Labour party) He says “I have completely disavowed such opinions”. I would feel happier if he made it clear that he doesn’t support any of the statements he made below; “A Muslim woman’s marriage to a disbeliever is clearly unlawful as mentioned in the ayah of the Qur’an”. “has there been any election in which the Muslims did not disagree, such as the local elections in the UK, where some Muslims joined or voted for the Liberal Democrats; the party that was in power when the Khilafah was destroyed. Some advocated the joining of the Conservative party, and some even were proud to display the fact that they were members of the Labour party.” “The same can be said about the current Labour Party, where many Muslims voted for this part expecting the lives of Muslims to be easier, but instead it has been full of misery.” “The tangible, perceptible reality shows us that the benefit of participating in the political life of the West is imaginary and not real.” “the original principle we carry is that the Islamic rule should have supremacy over the whole earth. The principle should not be the acceptance of kufr rule and subjugation to it.” The view regarding the right of citizenship cannot serve as a justification for participation in the political life or for anything else.” “punishing the thief with anything other than the actual cutting of the hand is a non-Islamic rule. Much of the focus has been put into the political assimilation of the Muslims in the West. The consequence of this assimilation, or integration, will be the loosing of the Islamic identity of the Muslims in the West.” “Our mindset has become besotted with some of its thoughts such as individualism, personal freedoms, and the like. This has resulted in the thoughts and sentiments of many Muslims, being tainted with these rotten ideas. “During the early 20th century, homosexuality was considered an abominable manifestation of the devil and today it is not only accepted as normal, but the entire culture of homosexuality is being enforced in the school curriculum.” the only solution, to the current crisis for the Islamic Ummah is the return of the obligation which Allah has ordered us with the Khilafah Rashidah.” “It is clear from the ayah of the Qur'an that it is not lawful for Muslim women to be married to disbelievers” “Any legislation, which has not been approved in Islam by any text of Shari'ah, must be rejected”

Fair comment. Will he denounce his previous writings, specifically, point by point?

Good call, I vote at the same time he does that we all denounce point by point every single thing we've gotten wrong or changed our minds on in the past.

This could take some time....

ice to see the concept of witch hunting is alive and well in our dear old town!

The chap says he's changed his views since 7/7 and grown up, do we believe him or not well we only have his say so apparently.

But how's about judging him on his actions if he gets elected instead of tying him up and throwing him in the pond to see if he floats or sinks just because someone pointed a finger? We happen to live in a democracy and if he is elected and turns out to be no good he can be un elected the next time. In the meantime, if elected and a wrong un, he'll be a lone voice in trying to get his nefarious ways as he will be nullified by his fellow elected members.

I don’t know whose worse sometimes, the politicians or the people with the vote.

And to those saying the fact he was a member of that organisation for 7 years but labour for only 3 what are you saying exactly? That there is no way he can prove to you he isnt a member of that group still until he has been a labour member for 7 years and 1 day?!?! Ridiculous. Judging by some of the comments some of you have spent more time in nappies than out of them and using your own logic should wait a few more years before joining in grown up conversations.

Well said Tony, but I think his only chance of a political future is to counter the specific statements he wrote with how he feels now.

garston tony wrote:
ice to see the concept of witch hunting is alive and well in our dear old town! The chap says he's changed his views since 7/7 and grown up, do we believe him or not well we only have his say so apparently. But how's about judging him on his actions if he gets elected instead of tying him up and throwing him in the pond to see if he floats or sinks just because someone pointed a finger? We happen to live in a democracy and if he is elected and turns out to be no good he can be un elected the next time. In the meantime, if elected and a wrong un, he'll be a lone voice in trying to get his nefarious ways as he will be nullified by his fellow elected members. I don’t know whose worse sometimes, the politicians or the people with the vote. And to those saying the fact he was a member of that organisation for 7 years but labour for only 3 what are you saying exactly? That there is no way he can prove to you he isnt a member of that group still until he has been a labour member for 7 years and 1 day?!?! Ridiculous. Judging by some of the comments some of you have spent more time in nappies than out of them and using your own logic should wait a few more years before joining in grown up conversations.

Yes we live in a democracy and everyone is entitled to their own opinion and here's mine, wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him!

Is that the duck pond you'd be throwing him in then Boosey?

Agree with Garston Tony on this one.

Many of the comments on this article are becoming a joke. Specially from the writers who I've never heard from before on Wat Obs site, but seem to have a lot to say on this item. Appears to be very staged.

Everyone serious about politics and their beliefs has a journey; where they start is often very different to where they end up.
"Bevan famously said, "It matters not where you have been. What matters is where you are going". Should we not celebrate that an intelligent man has rejected extremism if favour of mainstream politics. Who has become a councillor for a main party and now works for the whole community. Isn't this what we want to happen for communities to live in harmony?Or would some of the members of the lynch mob posting on this site prefer that British Muslims rejected democratic values and UK politics in favour of something more divisive and separatist? Didn't we fight a war against this type of racial stereotyping. Have we learned nothing?.

LSC wrote:
Well said Tony, but I think his only chance of a political future is to counter the specific statements he wrote with how he feels now.

Saddly LSC, the way of the world being what it is the guy could provide all the concrete evidence in the world disproving the claims against him and people would still now not vote for him.

Boosey wrote:

garston tony wrote: ice to see the concept of witch hunting is alive and well in our dear old town! The chap says he's changed his views since 7/7 and grown up, do we believe him or not well we only have his say so apparently. But how's about judging him on his actions if he gets elected instead of tying him up and throwing him in the pond to see if he floats or sinks just because someone pointed a finger? We happen to live in a democracy and if he is elected and turns out to be no good he can be un elected the next time. In the meantime, if elected and a wrong un, he'll be a lone voice in trying to get his nefarious ways as he will be nullified by his fellow elected members. I don’t know whose worse sometimes, the politicians or the people with the vote. And to those saying the fact he was a member of that organisation for 7 years but labour for only 3 what are you saying exactly? That there is no way he can prove to you he isnt a member of that group still until he has been a labour member for 7 years and 1 day?!?! Ridiculous. Judging by some of the comments some of you have spent more time in nappies than out of them and using your own logic should wait a few more years before joining in grown up conversations.

Yes we live in a democracy and everyone is entitled to their own opinion and here's mine, wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him!

Fine,so don’t vote for him. No need to slag him off online because you and others have decided with no evidence to support it that he's a extremist.

Victor01091939 wrote:
Everyone serious about politics and their beliefs has a journey; where they start is often very different to where they end up. "Bevan famously said, "It matters not where you have been. What matters is where you are going". Should we not celebrate that an intelligent man has rejected extremism if favour of mainstream politics. Who has become a councillor for a main party and now works for the whole community. Isn't this what we want to happen for communities to live in harmony?Or would some of the members of the lynch mob posting on this site prefer that British Muslims rejected democratic values and UK politics in favour of something more divisive and separatist? Didn't we fight a war against this type of racial stereotyping. Have we learned nothing?.

Victor, unfortunately too many people want to believe the stereotypes. People are lazy, people are stupid and ultimately people want to have a scape goat to blame the ills of the world on. I would say it works both ways mind you!

Tony,

can you state whether or not you are a member of the Labour party?

Reg, no I am not.

What I am a member of is the common sense club. The innocent before guilty club. The lets not be a sheep club. The lets think for ourselves club. The lets not fall into lazy stereotyping club. The fairness club.

Amongst others

just wondering where the WO observer got this story from, could it be from someone who just wanted to make mischief for Watford Labour on the eve of the by-election and PCC vote?

garston tony wrote:

Boosey wrote:

garston tony wrote: ice to see the concept of witch hunting is alive and well in our dear old town! The chap says he's changed his views since 7/7 and grown up, do we believe him or not well we only have his say so apparently. But how's about judging him on his actions if he gets elected instead of tying him up and throwing him in the pond to see if he floats or sinks just because someone pointed a finger? We happen to live in a democracy and if he is elected and turns out to be no good he can be un elected the next time. In the meantime, if elected and a wrong un, he'll be a lone voice in trying to get his nefarious ways as he will be nullified by his fellow elected members. I don’t know whose worse sometimes, the politicians or the people with the vote. And to those saying the fact he was a member of that organisation for 7 years but labour for only 3 what are you saying exactly? That there is no way he can prove to you he isnt a member of that group still until he has been a labour member for 7 years and 1 day?!?! Ridiculous. Judging by some of the comments some of you have spent more time in nappies than out of them and using your own logic should wait a few more years before joining in grown up conversations.

Yes we live in a democracy and everyone is entitled to their own opinion and here's mine, wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him!

Fine,so don’t vote for him. No need to slag him off online because you and others have decided with no evidence to support it that he's a extremist.

And, at what point did I slag him off? I said I don't trust him and If you want to back him up fine! I don't know you, so I don't trust you either. Is that slagging you off as well? If so, you're a tad sensitive to be commenting on here!

Boosey wrote:

garston tony wrote:

Boosey wrote:

garston tony wrote: ice to see the concept of witch hunting is alive and well in our dear old town! The chap says he's changed his views since 7/7 and grown up, do we believe him or not well we only have his say so apparently. But how's about judging him on his actions if he gets elected instead of tying him up and throwing him in the pond to see if he floats or sinks just because someone pointed a finger? We happen to live in a democracy and if he is elected and turns out to be no good he can be un elected the next time. In the meantime, if elected and a wrong un, he'll be a lone voice in trying to get his nefarious ways as he will be nullified by his fellow elected members. I don’t know whose worse sometimes, the politicians or the people with the vote. And to those saying the fact he was a member of that organisation for 7 years but labour for only 3 what are you saying exactly? That there is no way he can prove to you he isnt a member of that group still until he has been a labour member for 7 years and 1 day?!?! Ridiculous. Judging by some of the comments some of you have spent more time in nappies than out of them and using your own logic should wait a few more years before joining in grown up conversations.

Yes we live in a democracy and everyone is entitled to their own opinion and here's mine, wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him!

Fine,so don’t vote for him. No need to slag him off online because you and others have decided with no evidence to support it that he's a extremist.

And, at what point did I slag him off? I said I don't trust him and If you want to back him up fine! I don't know you, so I don't trust you either. Is that slagging you off as well? If so, you're a tad sensitive to be commenting on here!

I was talking in general terms. Without any evidence people are claiming all sorts against this chap

dontknowynot wrote:
just wondering where the WO observer got this story from, could it be from someone who just wanted to make mischief for Watford Labour on the eve of the by-election and PCC vote?

Liberal dirty tricks?

Quite possible, they are known for them and it would not surprise me at all. The timing is a bit convenient.

That said, I do think it important information like this is brought to the public attention so that the candidate can satisfy his constituents (or not) of his abandonment of such dangerous and fundamental beliefs.

I cannot trust a man with this background or past, especially after finding certain statements from him on the web. Get him out!!

The question is quite simple - Does he want Britain to become a Shariah Law controlled Islamic State. If Yes, then exit politics and the UK.
Secondly, check out Labour Councillor Margaret Burke from Milton Keynes on google. Another one with a 'colourful' past who Labour contends has had a damascene transformation into a wonderful person. The Labour Party, the party of extremist individuals and extremist policies (futile foreign wars, debt fuelled economics, slavish adherence to the EU and Mass Immigration). Need I say anymore.

The problem is he was'nt open about his past!!! It makes him look dubious to say the least and some of his statements are very dangerous, he may well be a reformed guy but difficult to prove.
also pleased to hear there are voters on this site for nick griffen if he decides to change his beliefs.
what i find odd is why these people stay in this country when they hate the west so much, surely they would be happier living in an islamic country? although thinking about it islamic countrys are'nt known for there generous benefits systems or the right of free speech....its ironic they hate the places that allow them so much.

Reg Edit wrote:

dontknowynot wrote:
just wondering where the WO observer got this story from, could it be from someone who just wanted to make mischief for Watford Labour on the eve of the by-election and PCC vote?

Liberal dirty tricks?

Quite possible, they are known for them and it would not surprise me at all. The timing is a bit convenient.

That said, I do think it important information like this is brought to the public attention so that the candidate can satisfy his constituents (or not) of his abandonment of such dangerous and fundamental beliefs.

its a choice of two
1) libdem dirty tricks
2) EDL sort of thing
Asif Khan is a common name google it and you don't come up with all sorts Yahoo gives a Hong Kong Cricketer so it is either someone having a pop at people from the Islamic organisation (eg EDL type) or someone who know him from there own activities (eg ex member now in Lib Dem), that or some sort of random thing.

Well said Garston Tony!
Nice to know that the town is not full of those nice EDL people.
Fear of Islam is engendered by the Sun and Mail and unfortunately causes a ridiculous hatred of all Muslims and a fear of Sharia law (the devils work).
Ridiculous, judge the man on his actions remember names can't hurt you!!!

People should be aware there was a survey of Muslims a few years ago and a substantial majority of 40% wanted the UK to be a Shariah controlled Islamic State. I think I preferred Asif Khan in his previous guise because he was upfront about his beliefs which is the transformation of Britain to the Shariah. In the Labour Party I am not sure what his true agenda is.

98.7% of all statistics are made up.

Substantial majority of 40%? How does that even make sense?

That's a fair comment. It was late when I added it. I meant substantial minority, not majority.
You are right, that was probably a made up statistic. The true figure is probably 99%. I don't want any Councillor or indeed any individual that wants to usurp English Law.
Then there is the Equality Commission statistic which says that 50% of Muslim men and 75% of Muslim women are economically inactive. Probably underplayed as well.

Personally I don’t trust politicians and I don’t trust theists of any persuasion. They need to be above reproach and earn their stripes in the whole community.
AK has some serious questions to answer and should stand down while an investigation is raised to see if he is suitable to be a councillor.
Radical views such as these at 16 are excusable but not at 26 or 36.
Religion has proven to be unstable, irrational and self serving. I cannot believe there is no hidden agenda here as lip service to "I've changed", have been heard many times before with unfortunate results.
His affiliations should have been declared, investigated and reported openly prior to him standing.
Religion has no place in politics.