US: Yusuf Islam, Muslim activist and former folk-rock singer songwriter Cat Stevens, was expected back in Britain today after being refused entry yesterday to the US.
He was escorted off a transatlantic flight late on Tuesday with his 21-year-old daughter having been denied entry to the US because of fears he had links to terrorists, said security officials. His daughter was allowed continue her journey.
Mr Islam (56) was questioned by FBI agents after his Washington-bound flight was diverted to Bangor, Maine. It emerged the former star was on a "watch list".
"He was placed on the list because of concerns about activities that could potentially be related to terrorism," said a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security. "The intelligence community has come into possession of additional information that raises concerns about him."
He was denied entry on national security grounds, the Transportation Security Administration said. A US government source said it was because of fears he had financially supported the terrorist group, Hamas. He was denied entry to Israel four years ago for the same reason. Mr Islam has denied giving money to any terrorist group.
As Cat Stevens, he had a string of hits in the 1960s and 1970s. Last year he released two songs, including a re-recording of his 1970s hit Peace Train, to express his opposition to the war in Iraq.
There was dismay in Britain's Muslim community at what had happened. Mr Islam is head of the Islamia Schools trust whose deputy general secretary, Mohammad Abdul Bari, said: "We are really appalled at what is happening. It is a slap in the face of sanity. - (Reuters/PA)