Statement: Muslim Aid response to claims made against speaker

Responding to claims made against a speaker set to speak at an event that Muslim Aid has now withdrawn from, a spokesperson for Muslim Aid said:

"Muslim Aid is a global humanitarian organisation that supports those most in need in the UK and around the world regardless of background and abhors violence of any kind.

Muslim Aid last month entered a contractual and operational relationship with a company that organises faith-based lectures and tours which has previously worked with multiple other established and respected humanitarian charities.

Muslim Aid upholds strict due diligence, compliance and monitoring standards with robust policies and procedures including Anti-terrorism/money laundering, Anti-bribery, Anti-fraud, and Anti-corruption policies which align with both UK and international regulations.

Due diligence was conducted on this company, with no issues identified, and the partner subsequently identified, checked and invited potential tour speakers including Mohamad Baajour, to speak on the theme of supplication, earnest prayer characterised by humility and mercy.

Muslim Aid has since Friday [January 9] reviewed new claims. It has determined based on its own independent assessment of newly highlighted material and its conversations with venues and partners to withdraw from the event."