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Possible to believe in caliphate without believing in Isis ideology, professor tells Lisa Smith trial
Summary
Professor Hugh Kennedy, a medieval historian, testified at Lisa Smith's trial, arguing that belief in a caliphate can exist independently of belief in ISIS ideology. He explained that ISIS, led by Abu Bakr al‑Baghdadi, presented itself as a legitimate Islamic state, citing selective historical references to justify its actions. Kennedy noted that while many scholars denounced al‑Baghdadi, some respected voices considered his caliphate legitimate, using the Quran and Hadiths as foundations. He highlighted the ambiguity of caliphate criteria, differences between Shia and Sunni views, and the historical variability of caliphates, including Ottoman and 20th‑century examples. Kennedy emphasized that ISIS's propaganda, such as the magazine Dabiq, distorted early texts to appeal to those seeking simple answers, and that the caliphate concept remains contested within Islam. The testimony was delivered to a three‑judge non‑jury court presided over by Justice Tony Hunt. Professor Hugh Kennedy pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Possible to believe in caliphate without believing in Isis ideology, professor tells Lisa Smith trial. Charges or matters: membership of an unlawful terrorist group, Islamic State, between October 28th, 2015 and December 1st, 2019; financing terrorism by sending €800 in assistance, via a Western Union money transfer, to a named man on May 6th, 2015. Procedural stage: trial
When:
- October 28th, 2015 Other
- December 1st, 2019 Other
- May 6th, 2015 Other
- 2022-03-28 Publication
Why: Professor Kennedy replied: "It is not for us to put trust in it because we are not Muslims searching for guidance on how to be a good Muslim… For some, what al-Baghdadi was saying seemed to be a way forward and a way out of the problems in the Muslim community and back to a pure and exhilarating past where the course of right actions was clear. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: membership of an unlawful terrorist group, Islamic State, between October 28th, 2015 and December 1st, 2019; financing terrorism by sending €800 in assistance, via a Western Union money transfer, to a named man on May 6th, 2015 (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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