Channel 4 cancels screening of film questioning Islam’s origins . [And in Britain…..}
Channel 4 has cited concerns over security as the reason for cancelling a planned screening at its headquarters this week of a documentary film questioning the origins of Islam.
Islam: The Untold Story, which claimed there was little written contemporary evidence about the origin of the religion, sparked more than 1,000 complaints to Channel 4 and the media regulator after it was broadcast two weeks ago.
Its presenter, the historian Tom Holland, was also the focus of substantial criticism, as well as abuse, on Twitter.
The channel said in a statement on Tuesday: “Having taken security advice we have reluctantly cancelled a planned screening of the programme, Islam: The Untold Story. We remain extremely proud of the film, which is still available to view on 4oD.”
However, sources close to the channel said the screening had been cancelled after advice was taken from “relevant security authorities”.
Dr Jenny Taylor, a writer and academic who had been invited to attend the screening, said it was “appalling” the event was being cancelled.
