Imam’s beard shaved off in Britain: Report

LONDON - A Muslim cleric who allegedly sexually abused young boys was held down and had his beard shaved off after he was arrested in Britain, a media report said.

Mohammed Hanif Khan, 41, honoured by Buckingham Palace for his work in prisons, was attacked by three men on the day of his arrest, The Sun reported Sunday.

Shaving a Muslim’s beard is regarded as a sin, North Staffordshire Magistrates’ Court heard.

Khan, who strenuously denies the abuse claim and faces trial in January, said he was knocked down by a headbutt in Tunstall, Staffordshire.

It is alleged that 31-year-old Mohammed Jameel, Mohammed Nadeem, 28, and Mohammed Safir, 32, then held him down as he was shaved with electric clippers.

Safir has admitted the charge, but the basis of his plea is not accepted by prosecutors.

The trial continues.