UK Outrage as Archbishop Honors Cleric Who Praised Osama Bin Laden
Britain faces outrage after the Archbishop of Canterbury presented an interfaith award to Pakistani cleric Tahir Ashrafi, who previously praised Osama bin Laden, on the anniversary of 9/11.
Britain is facing a major controversy after the Archbishop of Canterbury presented an interfaith award to Tahir Ashrafi, a Pakistani cleric who previously praised Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.
The ceremony took place at Lambeth Palace on the exact anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, sparking widespread outrage across the United Kingdom. Critics, including terror survivors and politicians, condemned the decision as a severe lapse in judgment.
Backlash from Survivors and Officials
Travis Frain, a survivor of the 2017 Westminster Bridge attack, criticized the Church for honoring someone who praised an architect of terror. Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy also expressed astonishment at the decision, calling it emblematic of dangerous naivety.
The naivety of the Archbishop in granting an award to a man who publicly praised Osama bin Laden is staggering — and on the anniversary of 9/11.
Further condemnation came from political figures and public organizations, demanding a formal apology from the Church leadership.
