Met Police adviser sacked for video of him leading controversial Palestine chant
An adviser for the Metropolitan Police has been sacked after he was filmed leading a controversial pro-Palestine chant.
The force said lawyer Attiq Malik, who is chairman of the London Muslim Communities Forum and previously appeared on Channel 4 ’s 24 Hours In Police Custody, expressed views which “do not align to the Met’s values". In footage from 2021, he was filmed leading the controversial “from the river to the sea” chant which Home Secretary Suella Braverman has previously branded anti-semitic.
Pro-Palestinian protesters have contested the definition, and the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign and other campaigners argue that the slogan refers to "the right of all Palestinians to freedom, equality and justice".
Keep up to date with the latest on the Israel Palestine conflict with our live blog here
The footage was revealed by the Sunday Telegraph. The Met said in a statement it had “highlighted past language and views expressed by Attiq Malik that appear antisemitic and contrary with our values. As a result we will be immediately ceasing our relationship with Mr Malik whilst we investigate.”
Escape to the Chateau's Dick and Angel give exciting news as fans beg for return
The statement continued: “The video shared by the Telegraph today has brought to our attention that the chair of the London Muslim Communities Forum (LMCF) has expressed views in a way which does not align to the Met’s values. We regularly engage with a whole range of community groups, many of which hold strongly opposing views. It is important we continue to listen to opposing views.
"This is how we put community voices at the heart of policing London. We will continue to engage with the LMCF and the full range of faith and community advisers. The insights, feedback and reach into communities across London continues to play an important role in our response. We are already working on a new advisory group ‘charter’ which will include a shared commitment to engage through mutual respect and inclusivity.”
This morning Mr Malik posted a quote by activist Malcolm X on the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, criticising newspaper coverage. The quote said: “If you’re not careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed, and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.”
Recently Andy McDonald, the Labour MP for Middlesbrough, was suspended after using the same phrase in a speech urging peace between Israelis and Palestinians at a rally. "We won't rest until we have justice, until all people, Israelis and Palestinians, between the river and the sea can live in peaceful liberty," he said.
Over the weekend two women were charged with terrorism offences after allegedly displaying pro-Hamas imagery at a London demonstration, police said on Friday, as they warned about possible radicalisation as a result of the Israel-Gaza conflict. There have been growing tensions in Britain and elsewhere since a deadly Hamas attack on Israel last month and Israel's retaliation on Gaza, with tens of thousands of protesters taking part in pro-Palestinian marches demanding the British government call for a ceasefire.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
