The BBC played into the hands of terrorists when it carried an interview with an Islamic State fanatic, it was claimed last night. Newsnight broadcast the rants of the Briton who claimed to have joined IS fighters in murdering prisoners in Iraq. He defended attacks on British soldiers and was given airtime to declare his hatred for the UK and threaten a bombing campaign here. Scroll down for video Armed: UK-born fanatic 'Awlaki', who claims to have joined IS fighters, told Newsnight that atrocities were allowed under Islam. He said he would only return to the UK to 'plant a bomb'
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British Pakistani 'Awlaki' said atrocities were 'permissible' under Islam law
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Interview shown on Wednesday, following beheading of journalist John Foley
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He told BBC: 'The only reason I would return to the UK is to plant a bomb'
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Former security minister said interview should not have been aired
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BBC said it 'refutes suggestions' that it 'offered platform for extremist views'
@placeholder laughed when asked if reports of Islamic State fighters beheading their enemies was true.