Beinazir Lasharie, who reportedly linked Zionists to ISIS, appointed Deputy Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea to help “rebuild trust with residents”

Councillor Beinazir Lasharie, who reportedly said that “I’ve seen compelling evidence that links Zionists to ISIS” has been appointed Deputy Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea “to help the Council rebuild trust with residents following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower.”

In February 2015, Councillor Lasharie reportedly posted a video on Facebook entitled: “ISIS: Israeli Secret Intelligence Service”, commenting on it: “Many people know about who was behind 9/11 and also who is behind ISIS. I’ve nothing against Jews..just sharing it.” When questioned by journalists she reportedly said: “I’ve seen compelling evidence that links Zionists to ISIS.”

It was initially reported that Labour had suspended Councillor Lasharie for her comments but Kensington Labour later said that she had been reinstated as “the Labour Councillor for Notting Dale” and confirmed that, following an investigation, her suspension was lifted in December 2015. However, this was contradicted by reports in March 2016 that she had not been suspended after all. Ms Lasharie’s status at this time is unknown, owing to the conditions of secrecy imposed by the Chakrabarti report.

Councillor Lasharie’s appointment as Deputy Mayor came to light when Campaign Against Antisemitism asked Councillor Lasharie to comment on her previous comments on social media as part of our research into antisemitism in political parties. We received a lengthy statement from the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in response, stating that Councillor Lasharie, who lives near Grenfell Tower, agreed to be Deputy Mayor “to help the Council rebuild trust with residents following the tragedy at Grenfell Tower.” It added that “She will help the Council build new connections and bring new voices to the Council, as well as strengthening the ties we already value with many groups and individuals across the Royal Borough.”

Regarding the allegations, it said that “Following an investigation by the Labour Group, disciplinary charges against Councillor Lasharie were dropped. It was important that these allegations were investigated in full, recommendations were drawn up which did not include disciplinary action and Councillor Lasharie was reinstated to the Labour Group.”

Campaign Against Antisemitism has written to Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, the leader of the Council, to make her aware of the matter and to seek her response. Councillor Campbell can be contacted at [email protected].