India extends ban on Zakir Naik, IRF for five years

The Indian government has extended its ban on Islamic preacher Zakir Naik and his organisation, the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), for another five years.

The Indian Home Ministry announced the decision in a statement on Friday, confirming that the restrictions on both Naik and the organisation would remain in force for another five years.

The previous five-year extension of the ban on the IRF was announced on November 16, 2021. The Indian government first imposed a ban on the organisation in 2016.

Central investigative agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), have been pursuing Naik for several years. He faces multiple allegations, including financial irregularities and money laundering.

His public speeches have also been banned in India since 2020.

Zakir Naik has been living in Malaysia since 2017.