Police Launch Investigation Into Death Threats Against Green Party Deputy Leader
West Yorkshire Police have confirmed they are conducting enquiries into threatening messages received by Green Party deputy leader Mothin Ali on social media. The investigation follows claims made in Parliament that the Leeds councillor attended a rally in support of the Iranian regime.
Parliamentary Accusations Spark Social Media Backlash
Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Conservative MP Sir Alec Shelbrooke stated he was "appalled" to see "the deputy leader of the Green Party once again protesting in support of the ayatollah." Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer responded by saying: "I think we're all shocked by the actions of deputy leader of the Green Party, perhaps not surprised, given their recent turn of direction."
Mr Ali told the BBC he subsequently received numerous death threats on social media platforms as a direct result of these parliamentary statements. He has demanded public apologies from both Sir Keir Starmer and Sir Alec Shelbrooke for what he describes as defamatory claims.
Anti-War Demonstration Mischaracterised
Mr Ali clarified that the event he attended was an emergency anti-war rally organised hours after initial strikes by the US and Israel on Iran last Saturday. The demonstration was coordinated by reputable organisations including the Stop the War Coalition and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.
"It was an anti-war demonstration," Mr Ali emphasised. "I make no apologies for attending a Stop the War protest. That does not mean I support the Iranian regime. I am proudly anti-war and anti-racist."
He described the rally as featuring "masses of stop the war signs" and "masses of anti-Trump signs," with only "a handful" of Iranian flags present among protesters. The Green Party deputy leader stressed the event was specifically protesting "the illegal attacks by Israel on Iran" rather than expressing support for the Iranian government.
Green Party Leadership Defends Colleague
Green Party leader Zack Polanski has strongly defended Mr Ali, accusing Sir Keir Starmer on social media of "blatant Islamophobia" and "smearing a caring man of principle standing up for peace." Green MP Ellie Chowns also challenged the parliamentary claims, telling the Commons that Sir Alec had "incorrectly attacked" Mr Ali and that her colleague "certainly did not" protest in support of Iran's leadership.
Mr Ali reported seeing "hundreds and hundreds of messages really, really targeted, really quite hateful, quite vitriolic" on social media following the parliamentary statements. He challenged Sir Alec Shelbrooke directly, writing: "I dare you to repeat your lies outside of parliament."
Police Investigation Underway
West Yorkshire Police confirmed they have received reports of "threatening messages received on social media" and are now conducting formal enquiries into the matter. The investigation comes amid heightened tensions surrounding Middle East conflicts and their domestic political implications in Britain.
Sir Alec Shelbrooke and the Cabinet Office have been contacted for comment regarding the allegations made in Parliament and the subsequent social media threats against Mr Ali. The incident highlights growing concerns about online harassment of political figures and the potential consequences of parliamentary statements being amplified through digital platforms.
