Serious concerns have been raised over a summer camp set to take place in Kings Langley which could allegedly expose children to extreme views.
The poster for Camp Wilayah at Phasels Wood Activity Centre on Rucklers Lane says the event offers “the ultimate experience” for children aged nine to 14.
Though the camp promises to provide activities like abseiling, discussions, prayers, and football, a legal lobby group has claimed that the event is reportedly linked to an organisation with ties to the Iranian regime and extremist content.
The four-day camp is run by the Ahlulbayt Islamic Mission (AIM) charity and, according to the website, is a place for “young Muslims seeking growth in a secure and nurturing environment”.
The camp requires girls who attend to wear a hijab and loose clothing and adds that they will be separated from boys, except for daily prayers, talks, and a team photo.
UK Lawyers for Israel, a legal lobby group, has criticised the planned activities at the camp and said it could incite hatred towards Jewish people.
The group has written to Brentwood Council in London and Hertfordshire County Council asking for the camp to be banned. They have warned of “compelling reason to believe that the event may be used as a platform to radicalise children, incite hatred or violence, and glorify terrorist ideology”.
UK Lawyers for Israel have said that AIM’s use of social media, alongside alleged posts that “glorify and encourage martyrdom and justify Hamas’s 7 October 2023 atrocities”, breach multiple laws.
The group has also asked the councils to refer the matter to Prevent and take immediate safeguarding or enforcement action, initiate a child protection investigation, and refer the matter to police for a criminal investigation.
County councillor Caroline Clapper shared in a Facebook post: “I share the deep concern many are expressing — particularly where children’s safety and potential radicalisation risks are involved.
“I am urgently seeking clarification from officers and agencies responsible, to understand how this has been permitted and what steps are being taken to ensure the law is upheld and children are protected. This must be taken seriously.”
In response to the claims, AIM shared: “AIM has already operated in full compliance with UK law. Our programmes are transparent, fully compliant with relevant regulations, and centred on safety, values, and faith.
“The claim that Camp Wilayah is an activity for indoctrination is a deliberate and harmful accusation, aimed at sowing fear and suspicion of Muslims who maintain a strong commitment to faith and identity. It is Islamophobic in tone and discriminatory in impact.”
They also claim that UK Lawyers for Israel are “operating on behalf of the illegitimate and genocidal Zionist entity”.
Photo credit: Caroline Clapper Facebook
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