Naik has been in news since one of the suspected Bangladesh terror attackers were found to be inspired by his lectures.
The Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) expressed "shock" on Monday after news reports that the organisation might be banned and its president tele-evangelist Zakir Naik might get booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) came in.
Naik has been in news since one of the suspected Bangladesh terror attackers were found to be inspired by his lectures. On Monday, when the news reports came in that Naik's IRF could be termed illegal and be banned, the foundation reacted strongly.
Calling UAPA draconian in a statement, the organisation said, "IRF has taken a note of certain media reports citing the law ministry's attempt to ban the foundation under UAPA. This is truly shocking. There is no evidence to show that Dr Naik ever promoted terrorism or indulged in any unlawful activity. If the government registers a case under UAPA, it will be gross misuse of the draconian Act."
It further stated, "UAPA is a draconian Act and for it to be used against IRF, when no evidence, much less legally admissible evidence, exists, is totally shocking. Dr Naik or IRF have not committed any terrorist act or abetted any terrorist activity. There is also no material to show that Dr Naik or IRF ever indulged in any 'unlawful activity'. Invoking provisions of UAPA and banning IRF would be sheer abuse and misuse of the draconian law."
The statement added that Naik has been honoured by several countries and governments with most prestigious awards of the Islamic world and that charging him would be accusing other countries of promoting a "terrorist".
"Never before has such a renowned Muslim been accused of promoting terrorism anywhere in the world. If the Indian government applied UAPA on Dr Zakir Naik, it will appear that it is also accusing all these Muslim countries for promoting a 'terrorist'. This is bound to create a strong protest from these and many other Muslim countries," the statement read, concluding with a mention of all the awards Naik has been bestowed upon with.
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