UK-based Islamic radicals to announce fatwa on Malala for 'turning back on Islam'

British-based Islamic radicals are preparing to announce a fatwa on 15-year-old Pakistani activist Malala Yousufzai, who was shot by the Pakistan Taliban, for speaking up against the outfit and advocating female education.

British-based Islamic radicals are preparing to announce a fatwa on 15-year-old Pakistani activist Malala Yousufzai, who was shot by the Pakistan Taliban, for speaking up against the outfit and advocating female education.

Malala was shot in the neck and head when the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) opened fire on her school van in Swat valley on October 9.

Later this month, hardliners are planning to gather at the notorious Red Mosque in Islamabad to denounce her as an apostate, accusing her of turning her back on Islam, reports the New York Daily News.

Anjem Choudary, who lives in East London and is one of the founders of al-Muhajiroun, which was banned in 2010, said the conference would announce the fatwa.

Although apostasy carries the death sentence according to Islamic law, he insisted he was not calling for Malala's death.

"It's not a death sentence. It's about what is the reality of what's taking place and how she is being used as a tool for propaganda by the US and Pakistan, and for the crimes they are committing," he said.

Malala, who was flown to Britain for specialized a few days after the attack, is now recovering in Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and is said to be making good progress.

It is understood that she could spend as long as two years in the UK, undergoing surgery, rehabilitation and counseling.

Last weekend her supporters marked "Malala Day" around the world, calling for better access to education for girls.