Expelled former Conservative mayor apologises following exposure of “offensive and inappropriate comments”
Councillor Atiqul Hoque, the former Conservative Mayor of Salisbury, has apologised after a number of “offensive and inappropriate” messages were leaked.
In a published statement, issued on his behalf, it said: “Cllr Atiqul Hoque in considering the content of his texts which were reported in the Salisbury Journal and the response which they have occasioned, has reflected and revisited those words and the offence that they have cased. He wishes to offer an unreserved apology.
“He wholeheartedly regrets and apologises for any hurt and or offence that he may have caused when his words were reported in the Salisbury Journal. His texts, written in haste, were clumsy.
“He intended no offence to anyone and apologises without reservation. Cllr Hoque is opposed to violence from whatever source and is deeply committed to peace and the inclusion of all people of whatever religion, racial or cultural persuasion.”
Cllr Hoque was expelled from the Conservative Party in February, following complaints from a whistleblower regarding a number of messages on WhatsApp and a post on Facebook. At the time, the Party confirmed that Cllr Hoque had been expelled for sending “offensive and inappropriate comments”.
One of the alleged messages appeared to refer to “Zionist pay masters”.
According to the International Definition of Antisemitism, “Making mendacious, dehumanising, demonising, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective — such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other societal institutions,” is an example of antisemitism.
Our representing polling also shows that eight in ten British Jews consider themselves to be a Zionist. Only six percent do not.
Another of the alleged messages said: “Don’t forget who planted crucifixion of our beloved Jesus Christ peace be upon him, they are good at that,” appearing to reference the accusation that Jews were responsible for the death of Jesus Christ, a conspiracy which has fuelled centuries of anti-Jewish violence and rhetoric.
He also reportedly shared a photo of a published letter, published less than two months after Hamas, an antisemitic genocidal terror group, carried out barbaric attacks in Israel on 7th October, with the caption: “Faith RESTORED […]” The letter included the statement: “Despite being Jewish, I do not support the genocide and ethnic cleansing by Israel. My religion has taught me compassion and to strive for universal peace. It certainly does not advocate violence, death and destruction.”
Cllr Hoque now sits as an Independent councillor on Salisbury City Council.
Campaign Against Antisemitism advocates for zero tolerance of antisemitism in public life. To that end we monitor all political parties and strive to ensure that any cases of concern are properly addressed.
