Birmingham mosque 'militants' programme makers to sue for libel

Feb 29 2008 By Mark Cowan, Crime Correspondent

MAKERS of an undercover programme that exposed extremism at a Birmingham mosque are to sue police and prosecutors for libel.

Editors of Channel 4's Undercover Mosque said they had been left with "no alternative" but to take legal action over police statements made about the documentary.

The Dispatches programme infiltrated mosques, including Green Lane Mosque, in Small Heath, and featured undercover recordings from speakers alleged to be homophobic, anti-Semitic, sexist and condemnatory of non-Muslims.

West Midlands Police and Crown Prosecution Service later claimed the film, broadcast in January last year, misrepresented the views of Muslim preachers and clerics through misleading editing.

But the claims were rejected by media watchdog Ofcom which described the programme as a legitimate investigation.

David Henshaw, executive producer of Hardcash Productions who made the film, said: "They effectively accused us of fakery. It was the most damaging thing they could have done. We are seeking substantial damages which will be paid to charity."

In a statement, West Midlands Police said producers had raised concerns over a press release issued by the CPS and the force.

The force added: "The press release followed an investigation by West Midlands Police, which was prompted by complaints from members of the public.

"As a result of the concerns raised by Hardcash the CPS and West Midlands Police are currently in discussions with programme makers."