Labour councillors probed over ‘Zionist conspiracy’ posts

Social media posts apparently from two Labour councillors, including a link to a David Duke video alleging Zionist control of politics and the media, have been referred to the party’s compliance unit.

Zafar Iqbal, who is an MBE and represents the South Yardley ward in Birmingham, posted a link to a video entitled, “CNN Goldman Sachs and the Zio Matrix” the day after the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in 2014.

Its description clearly states: “This video reveals how the Zionist Matrix of Power controls media, politics and banking.”

Fellow Birmigham councillor, Basharat Dad, is also alleged to have posted a link to a trailer for an independent film ‘The Zionist Story’. It says the film is “the story of ethnic cleaning, colonialism and apartheid”.

Labour confirmed to Jewish News that the posts have been referred to the compliance unit.

A Jewish Labour Movement spokesperson said: “We are pleased this is now being investigated by the party. In line with the Chakrabarti recommendations we expect a swift and thorough investigation.”

Jeremy Corbyn strongly condemned the use of the epithet ‘Zio’ during the launch of his party’s inquiry into anti-Semitism earlier this year.