Terror experts slam Channel 4 drama The State which shows ISIS fighters having fun in Syria
A former top soldier accused the public broadcaster of 'supporting our enemies'
TERROR experts today blasted Channel 4 for airing a drama about ISIS described as a "recruiting sergeant" for the extremist group.
Viewers told of their disgust at the content of The State, which tells the story of a group of British Muslims fleeing to Syria to fight for ISIS.
In the programme, characters describe life in ISIS as "super-cool" and dismiss Britain as a "dump".
The first episode was broadcast last night, with three more going out this week - just days after the latest ISIS atrocity in Barcelona.
The former commander of British forces in Afghanistan warned that the series would encourage more young Brits to sign up to Islamic State.
Colonel Richard Kemp told The Sun that the programme was the jihadist equivalent of inspiring war epics such as Band of Brothers or Dunkirk.
He said: "It supports our enemies' cause quite well.
"You have a moral responsiblity not to do anything that would encourage it."
The respected ex-soldier said potential ISIS recruits would be attracted by scenes which show Brit fighters "learning their skills, bonding, having a good time in the pool and so on".
And he also expressed concern that forthcoming episodes - which will feature brutal violence - will draw more young Muslims to the ISIS cause.
Col Kemp said: "It's quite likely they will serve as a recruiting sergeant for Islamic State."
In the second episode, a young woman from London describes ISIS as "a really super-cool club" which Brits should want to join.
The drama will feature sickening scenes including children playing football with severed heads.
It is directed by Peter Kosminsky, the 61-year-old behind programmes including the BBC's Wolf Hall.
After last night's first episode, multiple viewers spoke out to accuse Channel 4 of glorifying the terror group.
Author Mike Yardley wrote on Twitter: "Just a few days after a terrible terror attack in Spain, Channel 4 airs its glossy ISIS drama - The State. Disgusting. Disturbing."
Em Tolley added: "It seemed to glorify terrorism and ISIS. Impressionable kids might follow."
And Malcolm McDonald said: "I felt it was likely to encourage other malcontents to join ISIS."
Yesterday the daughter of ISIS beheading victim David Haines called on Channel 4 to postpone the broadcast in the wake of the jihadist attack on Barcelona.
MOST READ IN POLITICS
Bethany Haines said: "Broadcasting a drama like this, no matter how well-made and intentioned it is, so soon after an attack like Barcelona is going to cause upset."
Labour MP Khalid Mahmood agreed, saying: "We are not asking for censorship, just a delay as a mark of respect."
A spokesman for Channel 4 said: "The State, based on extensive factual research, provides an unflinching insight into the horrific realities of life under ISIS in Raqqa.
"Across the four episodes the series explores in depth the cruel reality of the characters’ experiences of life in Syria, and at no point does it endorse nor encourage others to follow in their footsteps.
"Though it is a difficult and challenging subject, we believe it's more important than ever to confront these urgent issues."