'Pro-Iran' summer camp for kids cancelled amid extremism fears

An Islamic summer camp accused of backing Iran has been cancelled after claims that it could expose children to extremist views reports The Telegraph.

The event, run by the Ahlulbayt Islamic Mission (AIM) charity, is aimed at children aged nine to 14, with activities including climbing and abseiling along with “lectures and discussions”. AIM describes Camp Wilayah, which had been set to take place in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, this month, as an “amazing place to enjoy the outdoors, make new friends, learn and build on Islamic values”.

But it announced on Wednesday that it had cancelled the camp after what it claimed was “Islamophobic” hostility and far-Right threats, shortly after clashes erupted between far right and pro-migrant protestors.

The charity’s decision came after The Telegraph reported on fears by MPs and peers that the camp could expose children as young as nine to extreme views.

AIM promotes the annual four-day camp, which costs £180 per child, as “a unique opportunity to explore your true potential amidst the serenity of nature and an Islamic ambience”. Girls who attend are required to wear the hijab and are segregated from the boys, other than for daily prayers, talks and a team photograph.

AIM, which is based in Cricklewood, north-west London, has been accused of backing Iran’s theocratic regime. In posts on social media, the charity has repeatedly praised Ayatollah Khamenei, the country’s supreme leader, and described his books as “a great read”.

The charity has also refused to condemn the terror group Hamas, and said in the wake of the Oct 7 2023 attacks on Israel that “Zionists brought this disaster upon themselves”.

The Express has messaged AIM via the contact form on its website for comment.

Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary, raised concerns that children should not be allowed to attend camps run by “supporters of the Iranian regime”. There had also been opposition from local Reform UK politicians.

On Wednesday, AIM said it had cancelled the camp because of fears of threats to families and children taking part.

It said: “No evidence of wrongdoing has ever been found at Camp Wilayah, yet our children are being punished simply for their faith.

“To attack such a wholesome and positive tradition is shameful, especially when threats are made by the Reform party to mobilise protests and disrupt children’s camps.

“Not only is this despicable behaviour, but it is Islamophobia in plain sight, and it should alarm every member of society.

“In an age where far-Right hate is being normalised, it is more important than ever to stand together against prejudice in all its forms.”

UK Lawyers for Israel, which had said the camp’s activities could be seen as “symbolically connecting very young children with nationalist resistance” and “embedding ideological allegiance at a formative age”, welcomed the cancellation.