UK prime minister apologizes to imam for ISIS allegation
London, (IINA) – British Prime Minister David Cameron has apologized on Wednesday to a London-based Muslim preacher for his remarks that the preacher supports ISIS, Anadolu Agency reported.
Cameron had claimed during a parliamentary debate that Suliman Gani, an imam from the south London suburb of Tooting, was a supporter of the extremist group based in Syria and Iraq.
He made comments as part of Conservative Party campaign that Labour’s successful mayoral candidate Sadiq Khan had connections to radical and extremist Muslims.
However, Gani firmly rejected any sympathies for ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), and Cameron’s office issued a clarification saying the prime minister had wanted to suggest Gani supported “an” Islamic state.
According to Sky News, a statement said: “In reference to the Prime Minister’s comments on Suliman Gani, the Prime Minister was referring to reports that he supports an Islamic state.
“The Prime Minister is clear this does not mean Gani supports the organization ISIS, and he apologizes to him for any misunderstanding”.
Gani had demanded a formal apology from the British premier for labeling him an ISIS supporter. Last month he told Anadolu Agency he was shocked by Cameron’s allegations, which he described as racist and Islamophobic.