Nov 2007
By his own admission, Mullah Krekar trained units of suicide bombers in Iraq and founded a Taliban-style militant group. But all attempts to deport him from his safe haven in Norway have failed.
After six years of protracted court cases, Mullah Krekar isn't going anywhere. He admits to founding Ansar Al Islam, a militant Islamic group recognised by the UN as an Al Qaeda affiliate. He's also called for foreign troops in Iraq to be murdered and those who disagree with his interpretation of Islam to be beheaded. "Sniper teams in Iraq have publicly declared their loyalty to Krekar and say he is their leader", claims terrorism analyst Lydia Khalil. But he's protected by the Norwegian constitution, which bans deportation to countries that have the death penalty. "A lot of people are very frustrated by what he's been able to achieve in Norway", states Khalil. There was reportedly a CIA plot to abduct Krekar. "That attempt failed because apparently somebody tipped him off". Krekar maintains he has ended his leadership of Ansar al Islam and now only offers spiritual guidance. But the UN allege he is still covertly financing Ansar al Islam. While Krekar resolutely defends his position, the case has prompted much soul searching in Norway. As the Director of Norway's Migration Department states; "It's made us question the whole institution of resettlement".
Tags: Jihad Norway Mullah Krekar Ansar Al Islam Journeyman Pictures
