The Muslim Council of Britain is greatly concerned at the very inflammatory reports in today's newspapers about the current visit to the UK by the distinguished Muslim Scholar Dr Yusuf Al-Qaradawi, President of the European Council for Fatwa and Research, who is a voice of reason and understanding. The MCB believes that the smear campaign against Dr Al-Qaradawi is being orchestrated by the Zionist lobby who are evidently angered by Dr Al-Qaradawi's staunch opposition to Israeli State brutality against the Palestinian people. The MCB urges sections of the media to respect the right to condemn the atrocities carried out by the State of Israel: for the systematic oppression and brutalisation of the Palestinian people, the illegal occupation of their land and the blatant violation and defiance of international legality.  [Ends] Note for Editors: The Muslim Council of Britain (www.mcb.org.uk) is the UK's representative Muslim umbrella body with over 400 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques, charities and schools. For further information please contact tel: 07708 065 150       For further information please contact the MCB:       The Muslim Council of Britain,       PO Box 57330,       London,       E1 2WJ       Tel: 0845 26 26 786       Fax: 0207 247 7079       media@mcb.org.uk