Now stop sniggering at the back. This is a tragic setback for a glittering jewel in our democratic crown.

George Galloway, whose far-left Respect party sucks up to radical Islamists in order to woo the Muslim vote, was last night forced to flee for his life from some of these said Islamists who threatened to string him up as a false prophet for enticing Muslims to take part in the un-Islamic activity of voting. 'Gorgeous' George did not take this in the collegiate spirit in which it was clearly intended. As the Evening Standard reported:

'Mr Galloway was electioneering on the Osier council estate in Bethnal Green last night when a gang of 30 Muslim fundamentalists, who claim voting is un-Islamic, surrounded him and his supporters. The men said they were angry at Mr Galloway's attempt to woo Muslim voters. They said they were "setting up the gallows" for him and warned any Muslim who voted for his anti-war Respect party that they faced a "sentence of death". After a fight broke out between the two groups, police were called and Mr Galloway was forced to hide in his car in an alley until the violence calmed down'.

But Gallows-way's problems did not end there. For no sooner had he most unreasonably objected to the attempt to enact the philosophy that his party has endorsed by stringing him up than the upstanding democrats of Hizb-ut-Tahrir, who everyone knows demonstrate their commitment to pluralism, moderation and freedom of speech through their aim of turning Britain into an Islamic state, declared they would sue both the car-cowering politician and the Evening Standard for libel by accusing them of having instigated the attack. It said:

'Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain is an Islamic intellectual and political entity that seeks to change people’s thoughts solely through intelligent discussion and debate. In discussions with concerned members of the Muslim community, the police authorities have also confirmed that Hizb ut-Tahrir Britain had no involvement in these events.'

It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.

Posted by melanie at April 20, 2005