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A Muslim cleric criticised for anti-Semitic speeches at an Auckland mosque has been permanently stood down from his role in the Federation of Islamic Associations (FIANZ).
The speeches made by Shaykh Dr Mohammed Anwar Sahib at the Al-Taqwa mosque, in Manukau, have been widely condemned, but the cleric said he had been misinterpreted.
Dr Sahib was the secretary of one of the federation's committees. He retains his role as the president of the Al-Taqwa mosque.
In a statement released this morning, FIANZ said it "vehemently opposed all teaching promoting intolerance, prejudice and discrimination against the followers of any faith".