`Anti-Semitic' letter referred to DPP
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.JEWISH LEADERS are calling for the leading British supporter of controversial black leader Louis Farrakhan to be prosecuted over a letter they claim is anti-Semitic.
They have referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions a letter from Paul Twino of Operation Farrakhan.
Mr Farrakhan, who is based in America, has been accused of anti-Semitism and is currently banned from Britain for his outspoken views.
In the letter, to Jack Straw, the Home Secretary, Mr Twino accused the Government of kowtowing to "your Hebraic puppeteers". He said the American leader had been vilified by "that loathsome and slanderous generation of Talmudic vipers known to the broad public as the Board of Deputies".
"With insolence unparalleled, the Jews have been shameless in their mutilation of his utterances ... The absurdity of the false allegations levelled against the Honourable Minister Louis Farrakhan has been outweighed only by their sheer vindictiveness."
The letter, sent to Mr Straw on 10 July and copied to the Board of Deputies of British Jews and many MPs, concluded: "I wish to forewarn you that if the exclusion order is not terminated, this nation will face demonstrations that will make the Drumcree donnybrook look like a stroll in a playpen."
Neville Nagler, director general of the Board of Deputies, which represents the Jewish community in Britain, said the language was "consistently offensive and insulting".
"It is highly abusive towards Jewish people and has many passages which reflect the writer's hatred towards members of our community. It might incite followers of the Nation of Islam to hatred against Jews."
The board thinks the letter breaches the 1986 Public Order Act, which states it is an offence to use abuse or insulting words to stir up racial hatred.
A spokeswoman for the Director of Public Prosecutions said they had received the letter and were considering it.
Paul Twino said he thought his characterisation of the Board of Deputies was justified in the context.
The board had criticised Mr Farrakhan on the basis of comments taken out of context from the minister's speeches.
Mr Twino said: "I didn't mean to offend anyone. But I would be more than happy to defend in a public forum or at court what I wrote."
He said the exclusion was unjustified and they would continue to fight to have it lifted.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments