Three Imams have been cleared of hate preaching and glorifying terrorists following a lengthy investigation, despite admitting they referred to a murderer as a martyr.

High Wycombe mosque bosses as the centre of the shocking allegations – revealed by the Bucks Free Press in May – were criticised in the damning report by a retired judge who led the probe.

More than 15 witnesses were interviewed as part of the investigation, with the three long-serving religious figures found to have used the term ‘shaheed’, or martyr, over a “misguided belief” about a convicted killer – but it did not amount to glorifying terrorists.

Wycombe MP Steve Baker said the use of the word was “unwise” and has called for an urgent explanation of their reasons to reassure the public.

Concerns were raised over the speeches, in which three Wycombe Islamic Mission and Trust Imams admitted describing murderer Mumtaz Qadri in front of hundreds of worshippers as a ‘shaheed’ at two sermons in March.

READ MORE HERE: Mosque probe after three Imams accused of hate preaching in High Wycombe

The hanging of Qadri, who killed a Pakistani governor he was employed to protect because of a row over blasphemy laws, caused worldwide dispute.

The investigation was sparked after whistleblower Khalil Ahmed, a Muslim man from Micklefield, claimed earlier this year that the trio had been “glorifying a terrorist” during a meeting following Qadri’s death.

However, former immigration and asylum judge, Khurshid Drabu, cleared the Imams of any wrongdoing after being called in by bosses at the trust.

He found that the description was used in the context of a misguided belief that Qadri had been hanged too quickly compared to others who were also given death sentences.

Trust secretary Shafat Ali said: “A potential allegation of ‘glorification of terrorism’ within our organisation warranted the need for a thorough and independent investigation to establish facts and avoid any harm to the organisation’s reputation and community relations in High Wycombe.”

The three Imams, Sultan Mahmood, Hafiz Hamid-Uudin and Ghulam Jilani, have all represented High Wycombe town centre, Totteridge and Castlefield for more than 10 years, with the latter being in his position at Jubilee Road for more than 30 years.

Bucks Free Press:

Jubilee Road mosque.

Mr Baker said: “I am disappointed they unwisely described the murderer Mumtaz Qadri as a ’shaheed'. An explanation of their reasons is urgently required for public reassurance.

“However, I am not surprised the report found their words did not amount to the glorification of terrorism.

“That would have been a radical departure from the values they have exhibited during the period I have known them.”

He added: “This episode raises many vital questions which will be discussed over the weeks and months ahead. As I have written before, I stand categorically against the criminalisation of blasphemy.

“I hope the lessons of this investigation will result in unanimous support for that position.”

After speaking to the Imams, Mr Drabu revealed is his report that Imam Jeelani arranged for the meetings to be held in March after talking of giving people an opportunity to “vent their feelings”.

In an interview, all three Imams admitted referring to Qadri as a martyr, with Imam Jeelani reportedly saying he did so because he thought he had been unjustly hanged.

The two other Imams both suggested they were not keen on the meetings being organised and Imam Hamid-Uddin claims he “made it clear that Muslims in the UK must obey the laws and not seek revenge for Qadri’s killing”.

The judge’s report also highlighted a “long and acrimonious history” between the board and Imams, recommending that senior board members should urgently meet the Imams to assure them that there is no desire to dismiss them.

He added that their common objective is to work together to provide the best service to the congregations.

Mr Ali said: “We accept these recommendations and will be holding meetings with the Imams within the next few weeks to develop clear guidelines and procedures for Imams, directors and external speakers relating to all mediums of public communication.

“Our primary aim is to continue providing an excellent service to all Muslims in High Wycombe and to build strong and harmonious relations with the wider community.”