Yusuf Islam Consults Lawyers

The singer Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, said yesterday that he had instructed legal advisers to discover why he was not allowed into the United States. FBI and customs officers detained Mr Islam for questioning after security officials diverted his Washington-bound flight...
The singer Yusuf Islam, formerly known as Cat Stevens, said yesterday that he had instructed legal advisers to discover why he was not allowed into the United States.

FBI and customs officers detained Mr Islam for questioning after security officials diverted his Washington-bound flight 600 miles to Bangor, Maine, having spotted his name.

In a statement he said: "We have now initiated a legal process to try to find out exactly what is going on, and to take all necessary steps to undo the very serious, and wholly unfounded, injustice which I have suffered."

Mr Islam last visited the US in May after which his name was added to a "watchlist". A US government source said earlier in the week that he was refused entry because of fears that he had financially supported Hamas.

"I am a man of peace and denounce all forms of terrorism ... it is simply outrageous for the US authorities to suggest otherwise," he said.

© Guardian News & Media 2008
Published: 9/24/2004
 
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