Hardline Muslim preacher in the UK calls for 'Islamic-amputation and lashings'

London, July 14 : An extremist Muslim preacher in the UK has reportedly called for 'Islamic-like' punishments in the country, suggesting amputation of hands of thieves and lashing those who indulged in unmarried sex.

His demand for 'Islamic-style' punishments was revealed as the row continues over the Lord Chief Justice's recent support for Sharia law, reported The Sun.

Abu Zahra, the Muslim preacher, belongs to hardline Islamic group Hizb Ut Tahrir which once faced a ban. In his sermon at London's Regent's Park mosque last evening, he slated British democracy as criminal, added the paper.

Zagra's remark has evoked a strong reaction from the British leaders, even as Tory MP Philip Davies said: "It's unacceptable."

According to the paper, in his speech Zahra declared: "Male and female thief - amputate their hands. Those who kill - their life is not secure."

And, he slammed unmarried sex, saying: "Lash them", added the paper.

Earlier this month, Lord Chief Justice Lord Phillips had declared that Islamic legal principles could be applied by courts to resolve certain family, marital, or contractual cases. In a speech at an East London mosque, Lord Phillips had said that Sharia law could be applied so long as it did not conflict with English law.

But, Philips' assertion has been criticized by many lawyers over concerns with the incorporation of religious values and a concern among women's groups that Sharia law was prejudicial to women and principles of equality.

ANI