Cleric stripped of UK award over blasphemy blackmail and extremism links
Headline by Prism · from 1 report
A Pakistani cleric who received a UK award has had it revoked following allegations of supporting Osama bin Laden and involvement in a blasphemy-related blackmail gang.
Navbharat TimesThe brief
Written by software from the 1 report below.
- Hafiz Mohammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi was awarded the Hubert Walter Award by the Archbishop of Canterbury on September 11 for religious tolerance.
- The award was rescinded last week after reports emerged that the cleric had previously praised Osama bin Laden.
- Further investigations have linked Ashrafi to a criminal gang led by his brother that allegedly uses blasphemy accusations to blackmail victims.
- The gang is accused of operating in collusion with corrupt police officers to extort money.
What to watch next
- Outcome of ongoing investigations into the alleged blasphemy-related extortion gang
- Any further actions by the Archbishop of Canterbury regarding the vetting process
- Legal developments concerning the human rights commission reports in Pakistan
The points restate the reports; where one says why it matters, that is Prism's reading, not a reported fact.
Coverage
1 outlet
All filed from India
NamedPakistan · United Kingdom · Archbishop of Canterbury · Fact Focus · Hafiz Mohammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi · Human Rights Commission of Pakistan · Osama bin Laden · Pakistan Ulema Council · Sara Mullally · The Telegraph
The 1 report is listed beside the record.
Corrections and versions
A correction says what was wrong and why. Every earlier headline and brief of this record is kept.
Something wrong?
Say what, and it arrives with this record's address filled in. A correction is welcome.
Ask this story
Answers cite the 1 report above, or say they can't.