FURIOUS anti-Semitism claims as ex-Labour mayor shares Facebook post linking Jews to 9/11
A FORMER Labour mayor posted a Facebook video implying “Zionist Jews” were behind the 9/11 attacks, thrusting yet more pressure on Jeremy Corbyn as his party faces further accusations of failing to deal with its alleged anti-Semitism problem.
Campaigners against anti-Semitism called for councillor Nisar Malik’s immediate suspension after complaints were lodged about other “problematic” social media posts in April.
On top of sharing the contentious 9/11 post on his Facebook page in 2017, it emerged today Mr Malik also posted a video about Syrian President Bashir al-Assad, posing the question of whether he was as bad as the media portrayed him.
The controversial video Mr Malik posted on social media, featuring nationalist Louis Farrakhan, shows the 85-year-old preacher delivering a lecture about the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre.
In the clip, Mr Farrakhan says: “It is now becoming apparent that there were many Israelis and Zionist Jews in key roles in the 9/11 attacks.”
Mr Malik wrote in his post: “Is this true, do you think?”
Labour has been accused of dragging its feet over the inflammatory social media post amid claims its complaints department has been flooded with reports of anti-Semitism, leaving it unable to cope with the volume of grievances.
Labour MP for Brentford and Isleworth, Ruth Cadbury, specifically demanded Mr Corbyn use his powers to speed up the investigation into Mr Malik, following five months of silence after the initial complaint was lodged.
Euan Philipps, of the Labour Against Anti-Semitism campaign group, said the party’s apparent lack of action over Mr Malik was part of a wider problem within Labour.
He said: “When evidence emerged about Nisar Malik in April we were assured that the Labour Party would be undertaking a full investigation.
“In normal circumstances that would mean a suspension pending a formal disciplinary hearing.
“Now we learn that not only has the Labour Party seemingly failed to act but that Mr Malik has continued to post problematic content on social media.”
Former mayor Mr Malik, who claims he does not hold anti-Semitic views, was first reported to the party in April for sharing a post on Facebook which claimed “Israel and America” founded ISIS.
He was also reported for a post that claimed US air strikes on Syria were a ploy to support a “Zionist Israel”.
And two weeks ago, Mr Malik wrote on Facebook there should be a probe into the “Israeli lobby” and its sway over UK politics.
Labour maintains all complaints about its party members are treated with the utmost sincerity and that it responds to every complaint appropriately.
A Labour Party spokesman said: “All complaints about anti-Semitism are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures and any appropriate disciplinary action is taken.”
Mr Malik told the London Evening Standard: “I did not leave any comment. I left it for people who read my posts or people who have a different view.
“I don’t think Farrakhan knows what he’s talking about on 9/11.”
Labour confirmed there was an ongoing investigation into Mr Malik.