An imam who backed calls for серіали cinemas to cancel a 'blasphemous' Islamic film has been sacked a Government advisor on anti-Islamophobia.
Qari Asim, the head imam at the Makkah mosque in Leeds, was let go from his roles as independent adviser on Islamophobia and deputy chairman of the Anti-Muslim Hatred Working Group on Saturday.
It comes after he endorsed a campaign for cinemas to pull screenings of The Lady of Heaven - a film about the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad.
The £12million movie was released in the UK over the Jubilee weekend, but was axed by Cineworld and, a day later, Showcase when staff faced crowds of protesters outside venues in Bradford, Bolton, and Sheffield.
Mr Asim described The Lady of Heaven as a 'disparaging movie' that has 'caused much pain and hurt to Muslims', reports.
But in a letter published on Saturday, the Department of Levelling Up wrote: 'We have no option but to withdraw the appointment and end your roles with Government with immediate effect.
'Your recent support for a campaign to limit free expression - a campaign which has itself encouraged communal tensions - means it is no longer appropriate for you to continue your work with Government in roles designed to promote community harmony.
Qari Asim, the head imam at the Makkah mosque in Leeds, has been let go from his official Government role
Protesters gathered at cinemas to voice opposition to the Lady of Heaven, which was officially released in the UK on June 3
Cineworld cancelled all showings of the film nationwide 'to ensure the safety of our staff and customers'.

Pictured: A crowd of protesters gathered outside the Cineworld in Birmingham on Sunday, June 5, to protest the film's release
Cinemas have seen protests from Muslims claiming the film The Lady of Heaven is 'blasphemous'.

Pictured: Birmingham