GETTY Hundreds of Muslim Brotherhood members have faced the death penalty

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The Muslim Brotherhood – which preaches using the Koran as the sole basis for government – is considered a terrorist organisation across the Arab and was critical to the foundation of Al-Qaeda. It briefly held power in Egypt in the chaos after the overthrow of president Hosni Mubarak. But after leader Mohammad Morsi was overthrown, the group – which advocates global jihad – found itself in the firing line. Since the Egyptian military seized power, hundreds of Muslim Brotherhood members have faced the death penalty in a move Amnesty International condemned as “politically motivated”.

GETTY President Sisi has branded the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group

And now Britain is extending open arms to its activists, publishing guidance that giving them asylum is “appropriate”. A Home Office report said: “Those with a high profile in the MB or who have been politically active, particularly in demonstrations, may be able to show that they are at risk of persecution. “Additionally, high profile supporters or those perceived to support the MB, such as journalists, may also be similarly at risk of persecution. “In such cases, a grant of asylum will be appropriate.”

Protestors clash with security officers in Egypt raids Wed, August 14, 2013 Supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi are cleared from protestor camps by security officers in the capital city Cairo. Play slideshow 1 of 33 Members of the Muslim Brotherhood and supporters of ousted Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi gesture in front of riot police and the army during clashes around Rabaa Adawiya square, where the protesters are camping.

GETTY The Muslim Brotherhood preaches using the Koran as the sole basis for government

The recommendation appears to condone only letting senior members of the group in. It adds: “low-level, non-political or inactive members and supporters are not generally being targeted and it is unlikely that they will be able to demonstrate a real risk of persecution. “Each case will need to be considered on its facts.” It comes after the group started advocating jihad and martyrdom to fight the current Egyptian regime, with official advice from the UK government accepting they would have to decide who is, and is not, a threat. The move to allow Muslim Brotherhood members into the country would likely aggravate relationships between the UK and Middle Eastern allies, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, who have declared the group a terrorist organisation.

GETTY Former President Morsi has been sentenced to life in prison