Whistle blowers who exposed Islamic extremism in schools fear for safety after their identities are outed to ‘ringleaders’
Staff and governors who helped expose the 'Trojan Horse' schools scandal were originally promised anonymity
WITNESSES who blew the whistle on Islamic extremism in British schools fear for their safety – after their identities were handed to the alleged ringleaders.
Staff and governors who helped expose the "Trojan Horse" schools scandal were originally promised anonymity, but told last week that their names and confidential statements would be released.
The former police chief who investigated the plot accused the government of "betrayal".
Peter Clarke, a former assistant commissioner of the Met Police, said: "I have been contacted by several people who spoke to me. I am appalled that promises of confidentiality made in good faith with the full knowledge of government lawyers are seemingly now to be cast aside.
"Why would anyone come forward in similar circumstances in future if their trust is to be betrayed in this way?"
The Trojan Horse plot led to six schools being placed in special measures, with their leadership and governors removed.
Five ringleaders are accused of conspiring to impose an "intolerant and aggressive Islamic ethos" on several Muslim-majority schools in Birmingham.
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They could be banned from teaching if the allegations are upheld.
The five alleged plotters Razwan Faraz, Hardeep Saini, Arshad Hussain, Monzoor Hussain and Lindsey Clark are the subject of hearings at the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL).
One witness whose identity has been handed over said: "I received an email on December 22, with one working day to go before Christmas, telling me that my name and testimony will be released on the first day back after the holiday and giving me no say in the matter.
"This is a nightmare. I am deeply worried for my safety and there are wider implications. If this happens, no government will be able to act against a repetition of this plot because nobody will ever talk to them again."