Charity Commission launches inquiry into British Muslim charity

Third sector portal, civilsociety.co.uk, reports on the Charity Commission’s launch of a statutory inquiry into British Muslim charity, Al Fatiha Global, following a Sun front page story featuring one of the charity’s trustees posing with Syrian fighters.

With much speculation on the presence and possible radicalisation of British Muslims travelling to Syria, the Charities Commission has stated its intent to investigate Al Fatiha to assess:

• Whether the trustees are effectively discharging their duties under charity law with particular regard to the proper accounting for the income and expenditure of the charity, and the management of the charity in accordance with its governing document and the law.

• Regulatory issues in connection with reports in the public domain alleging inappropriate links between the charity and individuals purportedly involved in supporting armed or other inappropriate activities in Syria.

The charity, which will be appealing the decision said in a statement:

“Al-Fatiha Global is a registered charity which has grown beyond our expectations over the last 12 months in response to British Muslims’ desire to help the people of Syria.  It is managed entirely by volunteers and has no paid staff.  Despite this it has delivered invaluable aid to help the suffering people of Syria with food and medical aid and lifesaving ambulances and fire engines. 

“We have not been involved in any form of terrorism, criminality or fighting as has been alleged in the media, notably The Sun newspaper.  We are confident that any inquiry will reach the same conclusion.  As a result of the allegations in The Sun, the trustees have suspended Adniel Ali from all responsibilities for the charity pending the outcome of an independent investigation into the allegations.”