OSLO, Norway, Dec. 15 (UPI) -- An Islamic leader facing deportation from Norway wrote a defense published in the newspaper Aftenposten, saying he is being punished for talking freely.
Mullah Krekar, who was born Najmuddin Faraj Ahmad in Iraq, remains in Norway because authorities are unsure of his safety if he returns to his native country.
In his letter, published Friday, Krekar said his ultimate ambition is to "return home for good, sit on a mountain in peaceful Kurdistan and die a good Muslim." He suggested his presence may be keeping Norway safe from terrorist attacks.
Krekar said he opposes violent actions in European countries. He specifically mentioned the bombings of commuter trains in Madrid and public transport in London.
"Islam forbids the killing of civilians, destruction of religious temples, churches, the cutting of trees and the extermination of animals," he said. "Therefore I hereby declare any action on Norwegian soil -- terrorism. But mercenaries in Iraq are not civilians."
