April 19, 2004
FRANCE BOOTS BIGMOUTH
Building on a recent theme, France continues to rock:
France has expelled an Algerian fundamentalist imam who invited his congregation to "rejoice in the Madrid bombings".
Yahia Cherif, who preached in Brest, on the coast of Brittany, was deported to Algiers after being found guilty of "proselytism in favour of radical Islam" and "active relations with a national or international Islamic movement linked to organisations promoting terrorist acts".
Sheik Taj el-Din Al Hilaly should face similar charges.
Posted by Tim Blair at April 19, 2004 12:59 AMNot just Al Hilaily, but every imam in every country.
Posted by: Helen at April 19, 2004 at 01:58 AMDaggone, they really meant that hate speech stuff. Props where they're due, I suppose.
Grumble.
Posted by: birdwoman at April 19, 2004 at 02:31 AMWQhat is the legal positioon about revoking citizenship in Australia? If it can't be revoked, let's change the law!
Posted by: Sue at April 19, 2004 at 03:32 AMSue,
Off the top of my head, there might be constitutional problems with this... I seem to recall the High Court held that Federal Parliament's power over "immigration and naturalisation" only extends to regulating the processes of immigrating and becoming naturalised, so it ceases once the new chum becomes a citizen. IOW, naturalised citizens can't be deported, I suspect, even if Parlt does try to change the law.
Posted by: Uncle Milk at April 19, 2004 at 03:02 PMUncle Milk,
This is worth looking into further. If Parliament can't change it, a Referendum can!
Posted by: Sue at April 19, 2004 at 08:42 PMLeave it to the French to give good ole political correctness a kick up the arse...good on 'em!
There's gotta be some way of stopping these bloody barbarians without completey compromising free speech. Love to see the incredibly UGLY Sheik Hilaly get the boot!