Green Party councillor who shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ accuses critics of Islamophobia | Politics | News | EUROtoday

A Green Party councillor who shouted “Allahu Akbar” to have fun his native election win has accused his critics of Islamophobia.

Mothin Ali was elected within the Gipton and Harehills ward for Leeds City Council on Friday.

Mr Ali stated his victory was a “win for the people of Gaza” and shouted “Allahu Akbar” in his acceptance speech which was recorded on his TikTok channel.

The Leeds Jewish Representative Council has written to the Green Party management demanding Mr Ali’s suspension, saying the victory speech was the fruits of his “substantial history of views which are concerning to the Jewish community”.

In a press release issued at the moment by way of the Leeds Green Party, Mr Ali apologised for “any upset my comments caused about the Gaza conflict”.

He stated the criticism he has acquired has led to him being topic to “hate and hostility” and added that the phrase is used as an “expression of gratitude and celebration” by Muslims.

Mr Ali stated that, like many internationally, he has been “deeply impacted by the dreadful conflict currently underway in Gaza”.

He added: “I do not support violence on either side: violence leads to more violence and this is what I have tried to convey.

“I’ve constantly known as for an instantaneous ceasefire and a launch of all hostages.

“I hope to be working with a broad coalition including both the Jewish and Muslim Greens soon to discuss sensible ways for us to work on communicating our shared passion of bringing the conflict to an end.”

Mr Ali stated that his election final week was “one of the proudest moments of my life”.

He added: “The inaccurate reporting and misrepresentation of my acceptance speech has led to me being subject to a lot of hate and hostility.

“I must also clarify that it isn’t uncommon for someone of my religion to make use of the phrases ‘Allahu Akbar’ as an expression of gratitude and celebration.

“Some have sought to misrepresent this and it suggests Islamophobia to me.”

Mr Ali received Gipton and Harehills with 3,070 votes – 747 greater than his Labour rival.

The Green Party stated it’s absolutely investigating all the context round this matter and has nothing additional so as to add at this second.