Channel 4 under fire for 'distorting' Muslim extremist rants

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Company bosses have been questioned over their decision to give a platform to Abu Muhammed, who has already been banned from entering Britain.

In a report for the Dispatches programme on Monday night, Muhammed - who had his features disguised by a scarf - was interviewed by Phil Rees.

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Phil Rees's interview for Dispatches allowed Abu Muhammed to 'justify' the London bombings

Calling on fellow Muslims to retaliate against "non-believers", he said the July 7 suicide attacks that killed 52 people two years ago was justified.

"Of course, it was very justified because Allah says if someone is committing aggression against you, commit aggression towards him."

Interviewed in an unknown European location, he said: "Even if you need to deceive the British government and get a visa to get into the country to perform your duties as a Muslim.

"If Allah orders us to terrorise the kuffar (non-believer) and I am doing something that will be labelled as terrorising them then I will be happy to have a label on my head that says I am a terrorist."

Channel 4 said the interview was a balanced report of Islamic extremism in the UK which also featured more moderate Muslim voices condemning Islamic violence.

Mr Rees said: "Muslims can get hold of the this sort of thing over the internet and where they don't feel they have a voice they are pushed into violence.

"We should feel our civilisation is strong enough to counter these beliefs."

Earlier this year Channel 4's The Mark of Cain, in which mocked-up scenes showed troops abusing Iraqi captives, was criticised by Defence Secretary Des Browne, who said it handed a publicity coup to insurgents.