Green Party Deputy Leader Faces Death Threats After False Claims Backed by Prime Minister
The deputy leader of the Green Party, Mothin Ali, has issued a formal demand for an apology from Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This follows Starmer's apparent endorsement of false claims that Ali participated in a protest supporting the Iranian regime, which has resulted in a surge of death threats and racist abuse against the councillor.
"It Feels Like This Time It Might Get Me Killed"
Ali expressed profound fear for his life, stating that the threats have escalated to a critical level. "I'm so scared that the racist threats have increased to a point where it feels like this time it might get me killed," he revealed. The threatening messages, seen by journalists, included chilling warnings such as "we know where to find you," "you have no idea what's coming," and an instruction to "pack your bags before it's too late."
These threats emerged after Ali attended an anti-war demonstration in Parliament Square last Saturday. The event was mischaracterised by media outlets like GB News as a rally in support of the Iranian regime, despite being organised by groups including the Campaign Against Sanctions, Military and Imperial Interventions (CASMII), with support from Stop the War Coalition and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.
Parliamentary Privilege Used to Spread False Allegations
The controversy intensified in the House of Commons when Conservative MP Alec Shelbrooke falsely claimed that Ali was "protesting in support of the ayatollah." Shelbrooke, speaking under parliamentary privilege which protects MPs from legal action, also insinuated without evidence that Ali had links to antisemitism. In response, Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented, "I think we were all shocked by the actions of the deputy leader of the Green party – although perhaps not surprised, given that party's recent turn of direction."
Ali defended his presence at the protest, explaining, "I'm an anti-war activist, I got involved in politics because of anti-war stuff. I was there to call out the illegal attacks [of the US and Israel on Iran] and to raise my voice against Britain getting involved." He believes Starmer's remarks were a desperate attempt to discredit the Green Party following their recent electoral success in the Gorton and Denton byelection, where Hannah Spencer became the party's fifth MP.
Public Abuse and Far-Right Targeting
Beyond the online threats, Ali has faced direct physical intimidation. He reported being recently abused and followed outside Earl's Court tube station in London by a member of the public who threatened to "smash my head in." Ali recounted, "I got my phone up to try and record him, but I couldn't press the record button because my hand was shaking. So I just held it up like I was recording, and as soon as I did that, he walked away."
Ali has been a target for far-right groups since his election to Leeds City Council in 2024, when he concluded his victory speech with "Allahu Akbar." He was falsely accused by figures like Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (known as Tommy Robinson) of involvement in local unrest, though he actually intervened to protect police and prevent violence.
Defence and Clarification from Allies
In Parliament, Green Party MP Ellie Chowns defended Ali, accusing Shelbrooke of "attacking the reputation" of her colleague. She clarified that Ali had "attended a CND Stop the War anti-war protest in support of his principles of being anti-war and pro democracy and diplomacy."
Professor Abbas Edalat, founder of CASMII, emphasised that the demonstration was not a pro-regime rally. "It was a rally against the US and Israeli attack, now supported by the UK government, against Iran," he stated. "That was the central slogan, against the illegal, unprovoked attack on Iran."
While a small number of placards at the event featured imagery supportive of the Iranian regime, the majority displayed anti-war messages, with participants chanting "Labour party, war party." The incident has sparked broader concerns about political discourse and safety for public figures in the UK.
