Government measures to tackle terrorism are creating a climate of fear among Muslims and risk encouraging Islamophobic attacks, leading lawyers warned this week.

In an exclusive interview with the Gazette, Ifath Nawaz, chairwoman of the Association of Muslim Lawyers, said recent government proposals to screen clerics and close down mosques were sending out a message that Muslims 'cannot be trusted'.


Ms Nawaz said: 'These measures are a knee-jerk reaction to what is going on. Tony Blair is talking about "evil ideology", and wanting people to spy on each other. The perception is growing that Muslims cannot be trusted. People are being told to watch their neighbours, and watch the mosque. This is not going to lead to a healthy society, and is making Muslims uncomfortable.


'This suspicion will last if the government continues with these measures, because people feel justified in their attitude.'


Sailesh Mehta, chairman of the Society of Asian Lawyers, said: 'Whatever measures are introduced, the broader Asian community must be content with them. As soon as they overstep the mark and start alienating Muslims or Asians, it will be counter-productive. That is the concern I have with these proposals.'


Human rights lawyer Louise Christian attacked government plans to deport people to countries on the basis of a 'memo of understanding' that they will not be tortured.


She said: 'It is extremely worrying if we start sending people to countries where they could be tortured. These people mostly come here as asylum seekers and are granted asylum under the 1951 Refugee Convention. To send them back to the same country is a gross breach of the convention, and of article three of the Human Rights Act [prohibition of torture].


'What these government measures signify is a general attack on religious freedom and self-expression. Many of these powers already exist, but the fear is that they will be targeted at Muslims, which will create a feeling of injustice.'


Ms Christian said that if any one of those people who are sent back are in fact tortured, 'the reputation of the UK will be in tatters'.


She added: 'I still hope that the courts will withstand the pressure being placed on them.'