Suicide attacks were self-defence - outspoken cleric

The terrorist attacks in the US were an act of ‘‘self defence’’, an outspoken British-based Islamic cleric said today.

Speaking at a mosque in Finsbury Park, north London, Abu Hamza al-Masri insisted Osama bin Laden was not responsible for the horrific attacks on New York and Washington.

The Egyptian-born cleric, who lives in west London, said he sympathised with the victims of the tragedy but also had some sympathy for Osama bin Laden, who is suspected of involvement in the attacks.

But branding the US government ‘‘crazy’’ he said it was wrong to jump to conclusions and blame the Muslim community.

He said: ‘‘I think America is wrong to blame the Muslim community. I think they are taking people for a ride.

‘‘I don’t think today is a day for celebration that America is a crazy superpower.

‘‘But what was done was done in self defence. If they did it for that reason then they are justified.’’

Other Muslim groups have condemned the killings.

Claiming that bin Laden was not responsible for the atrocities he added that the prime suspect would not have risked such an attack for fear of retaliation on Afghanistan.

He said: ‘‘He has given his allegiance to the head of the Afghan state. No way would he do something silly like that.

‘‘Everyone knows he does not have these capabilities.’’

The cleric was due to lead Muslims in prayer at the mosque later today - several hours after much of the country fell silent to remember the dead.

He said honouring the three-minute silence was an ‘‘innovation’’ that was not part of his faith but added: ‘‘We value every soul on the earth.’’

He added: ‘‘I don’t think this is a declaration of war on America. If it was done by Muslims it would be in answer to the children who have died in Iraq, Iran and Palestine.

‘‘If you asked how could it be in self defence in doing this in America, it is as much as it was in self defence in Hiroshima.’’