Mosque Leader Suspended Amid Inquiry into Social Media Post

A prominent mosque leader in Bristol has been suspended following an investigation related to a social media post featuring a video from Hamas. Abdul Malik, the chair of Easton Jamia Masjid, faces scrutiny from the Charity Commission after sharing content linked to the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. The commission confirmed that it is conducting a regulatory compliance case concerning Malik’s personal use of social media.

The Charity Commission stated, “We have an ongoing regulatory compliance case into Easton Jamia Masjid to assess concerns regarding a trustee’s personal use of social media.” As part of this inquiry, they have suspended Malik from his role as a trustee. In a statement on his Facebook page, Malik acknowledged his temporary suspension while the matter is under review.

Malik, a councillor and magistrate, has previously received a formal warning from the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) for serious misconduct. According to the JCIO, a post on his Facebook timeline included a video from Hamas that discussed their attack on southern Israel. Initially, Malik claimed he had merely been tagged in the post. He later admitted to sharing it himself.

Despite expressing repeated apologies and insisting he does not support Hamas, the JCIO concluded that Malik’s actions had a negative impact on the “reputation of the magistracy.” As a result, he was issued a formal warning.

In light of the Charity Commission’s review, Malik posted on social media about his suspension, stating, “This is an administrative process, not a finding of wrongdoing, and I continue to cooperate fully with the commission to resolve it as quickly as possible.” He reassured his community that his work in service, inter-faith initiatives, and equality campaigning in Bristol would proceed without disruption.

“I am confident that the process will conclude fairly and that the facts will speak for themselves,” he added. Malik expressed gratitude to those who have reached out in support during this challenging time.

The situation has sparked discussions within the community about the responsibilities of public figures and the implications of social media use. As the inquiry continues, many are closely watching the outcome and its potential impact on local governance and community relations.

This incident highlights the delicate balance between personal expression and public responsibility, especially for leaders in diverse communities. The ongoing investigation will likely further examine the boundaries of acceptable conduct for trustees of charitable organizations.