Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi on Monday backed controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik and said that he has known him for a long time and that Naik can't be involved in any kind of terrorist activities or indoctrination.
"Naik has always condemned terrorism and has always told his followers to stay away from ISIS," Azmi added.
Earlier, the Indian Union Muslim League had came out in support of preacher Zakir Naik, saying the "advocate of peace theory in Islam" is being harassed for no "valid reason".
IUML MP and former minister E T Mohammed Basheer said in a press conference on Monday, "Naik is an advocate of peace theory in Islam. The action by the authorities against the Islamic preacher is a violation of the freedom of expression. He is being harassed for no valid reason."
"The probe against Naik is being carried out in a prejudiced manner," Basheer alleged and demanded that authorities stop harassing the preacher.
"Since the launch of Islamic Research Foundation in 1991, Naik has travelled to many parts of the world and delivered a large number of speeches and organised several debates. In view of these facts, he should not be harassed," he said.
A video footage of a speech by Naik in which he speaks against Islamic State, was also played during the press conference.
Naik came under the scanner after media reports suggested that one of the Dhaka attackers were allegedly inspired by his speeches.
(With inputs from PTI)
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