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UK mosque defiant after charity watchdog reprimand for sermon condemning 'Zionists' over Gaza
Imran Mulla11/12/2026
A mosque has been given an official warning by Britain 's charity regulator after its imam discussed Palestinian "suffering at the hands of the oppressors and the Zionists" in a sermon. The Lewisham Islamic Centre in south-east London said it was seeking legal advice "on the most appropriate course of action" after the Charity Commission issued it a warning for hosting what it called "inflammatory, divisive" sermons. Imam Shakeel Begg gave a sermon in October 2023, during Israel's bombardment of Gaza, describing Palestinian "suffering at the hands of the oppressors and the Zionists". He also called the celebrities Justin Bieber and Kylie Jenner "sick" for their vocal support of Israel.
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