Al Quds Day march leader investigated by regulator over antisemitism allegations

The leader of the annual Al Quds Day parade who runs Chelsea Pharmacy is being probed by an industry regulator over alleged antisemitic behaviour in 2017.

Nazim Ali, who was recorded on video blaming the Grenfell Tower fire on Israel supporters during the parade, is currently under investigation.

The General Pharmaceutical Council has referred the case to an independent investigating committee for consideration which could dispense advice, issue a warning or agree “undertakings” with Ali.

If the case is then referred to a fitness to practise committee for a hearing, Ali could face suspension or be removed from the register.

In a statement, the Islamic Human Rights Commission told Jewish News: “The complainants continue to pursue this complaint. At this stage it is clear that this is a case of harassment and they are using the accusation of antisemitism to silence all criticism of Israel. Such politically motivated harassment will ultimately undermine the legitimate fight to root out antisemitism in the UK.”

Ali, whose 2017 comments at the annual anti-Israel march in London heralded a long legal fight, told protesters: “Some of the biggest corporations who are supporting the Conservative Party are Zionists. They are responsible for the murder in Grenfell. The Zionist supporters of the Tory Party.”

A legal bid to prosecute Ali over the comment was defeated earlier this year, after the Crown Prosecution Service concluded the case was not likely to succeed.

It was revealed in the judgement that the CPS did not deem the comments “threatening, either explicitly or implicitly”.

A spokesperson for the General Pharmaceutical Council said: “It would not be appropriate for us to comment at this time as the case is ongoing.”