Saudi dissident Al-Masari closes London-based jihadi site

British-based Saudi dissident Mohammad al-Masari closed down parts of his controversial jihadi website on Saturday.

His internet site featured videos of beheadings, suicide bombings in Israel and Iraq and messages from supporters of Osama bin Laden's Al-Qaeda terror network.

Mr Al-Masari has posted an "obituary" on his website saying he was a victim of "murder of freedom of opinion and expression by the oppressive regime lead by [Prime Minister] Tony Blair, the liar and well known war criminal".

Britain has embarked on a wide-ranging crackdown on Islamic extremist and other groups in the wake of the July 7 suicide bombings in London, which killed 56 people, and attempted copycat attacks on July 21.

On Wednesday, Home Secretary Charles Clarke unveiled a "tackling terrorism" list of "unacceptable behaviours" likely to earn foreign extremists a ban from entering or deportation from Britain.

North London-based activist Mr Al-Masari, who sought asylum in Britain in 1994, said he had closed his internet site while awaiting clarification on his status.

He said he had no contact with the Home Office - Britain's interior ministry - or the police but had heard "media reports and noise" concerning his activities.

"Unfortunately, we had to suspend big parts of our electronic site until this inquisition blows over or until I move to a country that allows an acceptable degree of free speech," his website statement read.

The Home Office said it would not discuss individual cases but added that past behaviour would be taken into account.

Patrick Mercer, homeland security spokesman for the main opposition Conservatives, branded Mr Al-Masari "a prime candidate for deportation".

"I welcome the fact that Al-Masari has taken down his despicable videos," he said. "It's important that we clamp down on extremism of this kind."