A Student Was Accused of Being a Terrorist for Reading a Book About How to Counter Terrorism

Read: The Future of Terrorism According to VICE

Just a week after a Muslim kid got arrested for bringing a homemade clock to school, the Guardian reports that a student of counterterrorism has been accused of being a terrorist for reading a book in his university library about how to counter terrorism.

Mohammed Umar Farooq, a student on the terrorism, crime, and global security master's degree at Staffordshire University, was questioned by the university authorities after being seen reading a textbook called Terrorism Studies in the college library.

The incident took place back in March, but has come to light after the university apologized to Farooq, stating that the official who questioned him in the university library had only been trained for a few hours. Farooq was asked for his views on the Islamic State throwing gay men out of buildings, as well as his general opinion on Islam and al Qaeda.

Cage, the UK advocacy group, claims this is part of a broader problem. "Since October 2014, Cage has received almost 100 cases [like this]. What this case displays is something we have seen frequently: most notably the over-reporting of normative behavior, and a fear-based approach that alienates and antagonizes communities."

A spokesperson for the university said, "We have apologized to Mr. Farooq and are in dialogue with him on how we can support him to continue his studies with us. In light of recent legislation, we are ensuring all staff at the university have the right guidance and training."