Muslim cleric Omar Bakri Mohammed is said to have fled Britain for the Middle East. His departure comes as the British Government considers using treason laws against supporters of terrorist groups.
Syrian-born Bakri, 45, has refused to condemn the July 7 attacks on London and the failed bombings on July 21.
The spiritual head of al Muhajiroun group claimed it was "God-forbidden" for Muslims to inform police about planned attacks in the UK. He also said they have a "duty" to fight British troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the U.S., Bakri told the BBC that "what happened was a direct consequence of the evil foreign policy of the USA. This is the compensation and payback for its own atrocities against Muslims."
A source told Sky News Bakri left the UK for the Lebanese capital Beirut at the weekend. He added that Bakri is currently looking to go on to one of the Gulf states.
