British Shia preacher launches Thailand retreat linked to Hezbollah praise

London-born Shia preacher Sayed Hussain Makke, accused of celebrating Hezbollah and the IRGC, is running a six-day retreat in Thailand from December 1 to 6 that blends Islamic spiritual psychology with physical training. The program, marketed as a “retreat in nature,” includes boxing sessions, lectures, and a fire-side address by cleric Sheikh Salman Zaarour, targeting men who feel they lack masculine direction. Makke has previously posted tributes to a British friend who died fighting for Hezbollah and praised the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Former foreign affairs committee chair Alicia Kearns has written to the Home Office questioning why Makke has not faced arrest, citing police reports of his support for a proscribed group and operation of combat-style camps. The Home Office responded that any evidence of offences under the Terrorism Act 2000 or the National Security Act 2023 would be assessed. A Counter Terrorism Policing London spokesperson said reports are reviewed and forwarded for action if warranted.