Press Release
We Vehemently Renounce the Intentional Distortion of Facts Concerning Hizb-ut Tahrir by "Habari Leo" Newspaper

"Habari Leo" Newspaper of 26/10/2012 on page four, while reporting on the events of violence in Zanzibar and those arrested thereafter, conveyed propaganda, intentional distortion and open lies beyond imagination concerning the international Islamic Party Hizb-ut Tahrir.

The said newspaper "Habari Leo" on the stated date wrote the following:

"While there is information on Sheikh Farid, there are reports that among those suspected with him is one alleged to be a representative of the Islamic group Boko Haram of Nigeria whereby he represents East Africa while based in Mombasa, Kenya. In the country, his followers are alleged to use the name Hizb-ut Tahrir and he was introduced to the public at Magomeni grounds approximately two years ago. They have plans to burn down churches and bars." [Source: http://habarileo.co.tz/index.php/habari-za-kitaifa/5392-shekhe-farid-achunguzwa-kuhusu-al-qaeda]

"Habari Leo" has intentionally used propaganda and distortions with the intention to portray the following lies:

1. Hizb-ut Tahrir members participate in the struggles of movements based on nationalism/clanism fighting for Zanzibarism disguised in religious garb. This is wrong as Hizb-ut Tahrir is bound exclusively by Islamic Shariah clearly stating the prohibition of propagating thoughts based on nationalism/clanism. Not only this but also, Islam has provided a clear method to oppose and remove all injustices and without using prohibited methods.

2. From the suspects arrested in the Zanzibar violence, among them were from Hizb- ut Tahrir yet the official media representatives of Hizb-ut Tahrir / East Africa have not confirmed this claim.

3. Instigating the dangerous and misleading idea that Hizb-ut Tahrir is an affiliate of Boko Haram group from Nigeria. These allegations are open lies and have no basis. There is no relationship whatsoever between Hizb-ut Tahrir and Boko Haram. Hizb-ut Tahrir is an international Islamic Party established since 1953. Its methodology to bring change is well known to all since its inception which is the methodology used by the Prophet (saw) and does not involve force or violent actions. Even though, its members and supporters sometimes are subjected to injustices and oppression especially by dictatorial states.

4. The conference held by Hizb-ut Tahrir / East Africa at Kichangani Mosque, Magomeni, Dar es-Salaam introduced its leaders with its affiliation to Boko Haram. This is a plain lie. Such a statement by "Habari Leo" was the first and foremost to be released to the thousands that attended the conference including different media institutions.

In conclusion, we state that these lies by "Habari Leo" are intentional, intended to tarnish the name of Hizb-ut Tahrir, discredit its reputation in the eyes of the Ummah, scare non-Muslims by instilling fear about Islam. It demonstrates clearly that "Habari Leo" is intent on playing a very dangerous card of ‘religious preference' inside Tanzania and to play part on international enmity against Islam and its institutions. We reiterate that these lies are intentional- based on two major reasons:

First: "Habari Leo" Newspaper was among the media institutions that reported and highlighted our conference at Kichangani Mosque, Magomeni a few years ago. At NO time during the whole period did it mention misleading allegations that it is making today. Furthermore; during the conference, Hizb-ut Tahrir / East Africa distributed leaflets to thousands of people, held a press conference and continued distributing written material even after the conference to elaborate on the history, objectives, and methodology of revival by Hizb-ut Tahrir to bring about change. During which nothing was mentioned about the affiliation between Hizb and Boko Haram, neither destruction of churches nor use of force and violence to achieve the objectives of Hizb-ut Tahrir. As of now, where does "Habari Leo" Newspaper obtain these reports?

Second: Hizb-ut Tahrir has official media representatives who are guarantors in issuing statements, details, and clarifications on all matters concerning Hizb. Actually, some reporters of "Habari Leo" Newspaper know Hizb members personally. How could "Habari Leo" go beyond all bounds to report such lies without our clarification, unless it is with malice?

Our stand:

We deny all claims by "Habari Leo" Newspaper on the stated date. We also demand the said newspaper to issue a formal apology and retraction within a week's time regarding the intentional written lies to take effect from the date of this letter.

Furthermore, we call on the said newspaper and other media institutions to be bound by media ethics and not enter shameful situations like this newspaper's actions.

Failure by "Habari Leo" Newspaper to meet our demands, we shall inform them that the lies they have innovated will neither harm Islam nor Hizb-ut Tahrir instead the newspaper will harm itself. Allah (swt) revealed,

[وَلَا يَحِيقُ الْمَكْرُ السَّيِّئُ إِلَّا بِأَهْلِهِ]

"...And evil actions do not encircle save the one committing them." [TMQ 35:43]

Masoud Msellem
Deputy Media Representative
Hizb-ut Tahrir / East Africa