Far-right extremists’ threat to MSP Sarwar investigated by police
0 Labour MSP Anas Sarwar said he has been overwhelmed by recent messages of support A far-right group’s threat to Labour MSP Anas Sarwar is being investigated by police.
The MSP was reportedly sent a threatening email which included a propaganda video from the extremists.
It came after Mr Sarwar spoke out about his experience of racism and Islamophobia while he was a candidate for the Scottish Labour leadership.
Mr Sarwar said he would not be deterred from campaigning against racism and Islamaphobia.
He told the Daily Record: “I have been overwhelmed by the messages of support and solidarity in the last few weeks. Sadly, I have also received some highly troubling communications.
“But all these people have inadvertentlydoneisstrengthen my resolve to campaign on the issue of everyday racism and Islamophobia and to deliver positive change.
“There are many who seek to divide our communities, to use perceived difference to build fear and resentment. Those that seek to divide must never be allowed to succeed.”
Police Scotland said they were investigating the email. A spokesman said: “We can confirm we are investigating a report of an offensive communication and inquiries are ongoing.”
Mr Sarwar has launched a cross-party group on tackling racism and Islamophobia at the Scottish Parliament.
The Glasgow MSP lost to Richard Leonard in the party leadership campaign, which was sparked by the resignation of Kezia Dugdale last year.
He claimed that during the campaign a councillor told him he could not back him becausehewasa“brownmuslim Paki”.
Mr Sarwar said he had been “inundated” with examples of everyday racism since revealing the allegation against Davie Mclachlan, former leader of the Labour group on South Lanarkshire Council, who denies the claims and has been suspended by Scottish Labour pending an investigation.
Mr Sarwar has written to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon outlining proposals to tackle “everyday racism and Islamophobia” in Scotland.
He wants the Scottish Government to take action on black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) representation in the public sector workforce.
He also called for a review of the legal framework surrounding racist and Islamophobic abuse on social media.
In his letter to Ms Sturgeon, Mr Sarwar said his proposals were about “challenging a culture that impacts on workplaces, colleges, university campuses and playgrounds across the country”.