Shahid Butt, a reportedly former jihadi fighter convicted of terrorism offences in Yemen, has announced he will run as an independent candidate in Birmingham’s upcoming local elections. He is contesting the Sparkhill ward as part of a pro-Palestine electoral alliance.
Butt was convicted in 1999 for his alleged involvement in a plot targeting the British consulate, a church, and a hotel in Aden, Yemen. He served five years in prison and has maintained that his confession was obtained under torture, The Jewish Chronicle reported.
Since returning to the UK in 2003, he has reportedly worked on anti-radicalization efforts, including the Home Office Prevent programme, according to The Telegraph.
Butt previously called on Muslims to protest an Aston Villa match against Maccabi Tel Aviv, saying the Israeli fans should not enter Birmingham. In protest footage, he said Muslims are “not pacifists” and suggested that self-defense, including violence, was justified if provoked.
He has described jihad as a “compassionate act” and said British fighters who went to conflict zones acted out of sympathy. Butt also criticised the Islamic State (ISIS), saying the group had “hijacked” Islam, The Telegraph noted.
Additionally, Butt, citing the Koran, said Muslims should not take Jews and Christians as friends or protectors in a YouTube video published four months ago.
When asked about his comments about Jews, he said he did not hate either Jews or Christians. He added, “I work with Christians.” The Telegraph reported.
Butt: 'No love' for Zionism
The Jewish Chronicle reported that Butt said he "is not antisemitic, as Jewish people are his 'cousins' whom he would 'break bread' with, but has also said he has 'no love' for Zionism."
In campaign material, Butt said he would defend himself or his family if threatened but would not oppress others. He confirmed that, if elected, he would follow British law and would not implement Shariah law, The Jewish Chronicle noted.
Sparkhill, located about five miles from Aston Villa’s stadium, has a majority Muslim population, estimated at 70 to 84 percent. Butt said he would rely on the “support of Allah” in his bid for election, The Jewish Chronicle reported.
The Telegraph cited Lord Walney, a former UK government adviser on political extremism, saying that Butt’s candidacy is “troubling” given his past conviction and comments about jihad abroad.