'Cheat genital mutilation ban by going abroad': British Muslim leader caught on camera advocating female circumcision



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A British Muslim leader has been caught on camera advocating female genital mutilation.

Mohammed Abdul, the Imam of a Bristol mosque, was filmed urging a follower to take women and girls abroad so they can be circumcised legally.

The practise was banned by law in 2003, and it's illegal to help or encourage anyone to carry out the barbaric procedure overseas.

The Masjid al-Huda mosque in Bristol, where Muhammed Abdul is an Imam

The footage was obtained by an undercover reporter working for the Sunday Times newspaper, who posed as a Muslim seeking advice.

During a meeting with Mohammed Abdul at the Masjid al-Huda mosque: 'In this country, it is not possible, we cannot do that. (For) any other Muslim who likes to practise the way of Prophet Muhammad, the best way is to go to other countries.

'Some families, they go to Africa or Arab countries.

'In this country you have to fight for your religion, your cultures, They (the British) don't like your Muslim cultures.'

Although female genital mutilation (FGM) has not been advocated by Muslim scripture, a number of clerics encourage it.

Anti FGM campaigner Naana Otoo-Oyortey was made an MBE by the Queen in 2008

The procedure, which involves the removal of external female genitalia, causes incredible pain and leaves women scarred for life.

In some cases the vagina is sewn shut.



It's estimated 100,000 women in Britain have undergone the procedure and another 24,000 are thought to be at risk.

Dr Yunes Teinaz, who works for anti-FGM charity Forward, tells The Sunday Times: 'As a result of misinformation spread by so-called Muslim scholars, young girls are being mutilated and subjected to unimaginable pain and suffering.'

The police have confirmed they have received the Sunday Times video and that the 'material will now be assessed.'

Since the law was passed in 2003, no-one has been prosecuted for carring out female genital mutilation.

Forward chief executive Naana Otoo-Oyortey said she hopes the new evidence will force the government to do more to combat the problem.