Top law firm in ‘intervention’ to defend Jewish Labour activists from TV ‘hit job’
Jewish Labour Movement confirm lawyers Mishcon de Reya launched a "significant intervention" on behalf of its members after they were 'targeted' by broadcaster Al Jazeera in recent Labour Files series
Top legal firm Mishcon de Reya launched a “significant intervention” on behalf of Jewish Labour Movement members after they were “targeted” by broadcaster Al Jazeera during a recent television series, it has been confirmed.
Last month the Qatari- owned television channel broadcast a three part programme titled ‘The Labour Files’, which attempted to blame Keir Starmer for a series allegations that occurred under previous leader Jeremy Corbyn.
The programme’s central aim appeared to be to try to discredit claims around Labour’s antisemitism crisis.
But it has now emerged that prior to the broadcast of the series, Mishcon de Reya wrote to the channel alleging the “harassment” of at least seven Jewish Labour members.
Jewish News understands that at one stage, Al Jazeera reporters approached one of the most prominent victims of antisemitic abuse, to asked them if they now wished to apologise for revealing this abuse.
Confirming the intervention, JLM’s Adam Langleben emailed the group’s members on Thursday evening.
He wrote:”Last month the Qatari government owned television channel, Al Jazeera, broadcast a programme titled ‘The Labour Files’.
“This programme was a hit-job on Keir Starmer and the Labour Party, purposely timed to cause chaos at Labour Party Conference.
“They sought to cast serious doubt on the lived experiences of Jewish Labour members and undermine the EHRC’s findings. They failed at these aims.
“However in the process of production Al Jazeera, for the second time in recent years, targeted a number of Jewish Labour activists.
“We take our duty of care towards our members very seriously. We have all been through too much and learnt that we are always stronger together.
“That is why we launched a significant legal intervention prior to the broadcast of Al Jazeera’s series. We believe that this stopped some of the worst and most libellous allegations being aired. We will always stand up for our members.
“This intervention did not come cheap. Today I am asking you to contribute towards the cost of this action. If you can please consider helping by clicking here.”
Jewish News had contacted Al Jazeera over the harassment claims, but they did not respond to a request for comment.
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