UK Prison Conversion Concerns: Calls Grow for Investigation into Alleged Forced Conversions

Photo: Jail Cells, Slyronit, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International | Jihad Watch

Concerns have emerged in the United Kingdom over allegations that organized Muslim gangs are coercing white British inmates to convert to Islam inside prisons, prompting renewed calls for an official investigation.

According to figures disclosed by Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy, around one in five Muslims in British prisons is white, a proportion significantly higher than the 5.8% of white Muslims recorded in the general population. He argued that the disparity raises important questions about religious conversions taking place behind bars.

Timothy urged the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to examine the issue, stating that prison experts have repeatedly warned about alleged forced conversions and the influence of Islamist gangs within correctional facilities. He said authorities must address any evidence of coercion and ensure that prisoners are free to practice or change their religion without intimidation.

Similar concerns have been echoed by the UK Government’s Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation, Jonathan Hall KC. In his assessment, Hall reported finding evidence of Islamist prisoners acting as “self-styled emirs,” using positions of influence to exercise leadership, recruit followers, and exert control within parts of the prison system.

The Ministry of Justice has been urged to investigate the allegations thoroughly and determine whether organized groups are using intimidation or coercion to influence vulnerable inmates, while safeguarding both religious freedom and prison security.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)