Academics React on Islamophobic Plan in UK
According to this act, those suspected of extremism will be sent on deradicalization programs, while the whole system is to be policed by Government inspectors.
But the new law has been criticized as a direct assault on freedom of speech and a move towards a police state. In an unprecedented intervention, 280 academics, lawyers and public figures claim the controversial law will make Britain less safe, World Bulletin reported.
Last month David Cameron said the government would provide “a full spectrum” response to counter-terrorism, to include the vetting of external speakers at universities and banning those with extremist views. There are also plans to vet broadcast programs for extremist content.
But the academics’ letter states: “Prevent will have a chilling effect on open debate, free speech and political dissent. It will create an environment in which political change can no longer be discussed openly, and will withdraw to unsupervised spaces. Therefore, Prevent will make us less safe.”
