The Islamic Council of Jamaica is conducting its own investigations into the accusations that led to the deportation of Abdullah el-Faisal to the island from the United Kingdom last Friday.

President of the council, Mustafa Muhammad, said yesterday that tapes regarding the preaching of el-Faisal are being sought in order to have a proper understanding of the charges that were levelled against him.

"We have spoken with the Muslim community in England who told us that he (el-Faisal) had a lot of tapes and gave lectures, and we are also trying to gather more information about him," said Mr. Muhammad.

Obtained tapes

The local council had obtained tapes of el-Faisal's teachings and preaching. However, Mr. Muhammad noted that on these tapes there was no preaching of ill or death to another race or religion.

"All we heard from the tapes is what you would expect to hear from someone who is an Islamic, teachings of the religion," said Mr. Muhammad.

One of the July 7, 2005 London transport system bombers, Jermain Lindsay, who was born in Jamaica, was said to have been influenced by el-Faisal.

Born Trevor William Forrest to a strong Christian family in St. James, el-Faisal who converted to Islam, allegedly told audiences to kill non-Muslims like "cockroaches".

El-Faisal was imprisoned in England and later deported.

"We are definitely trying to get some of those tapes which he was accused of," said Mr. Muhammad.

In the meantime, the president said plans were being made to speak with el-Faisal within a week's time.