UK Bars U.S. Islamic Preacher Over Posts Defending Hamas

The move reflects a Home Office policy to deny entry to foreign nationals judged to promote extremist ideas.

Overview

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood revoked Dr. Shadee Elmasry’s travel authorization days before a planned three-day speaking tour in Birmingham, Bolton and Ilford.
UK media reports cite Elmasry’s past social posts defending or justifying Hamas after the October 7, 2023 attack as the reason for the exclusion.
The Home Office said there is no place in the UK for foreign nationals who spread hate or push extremist ideas, while declining to comment on the individual case.
Organizer Global Relief Trust said his involvement was for a humanitarian, faith-based event and that any past comments were his own, as Elmasry expressed hope the ban will be overturned.
The decision aligns with a 2024 policy to use immigration powers against perceived hate preachers, with Conservative figures urging firm enforcement.