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Senior officer's discrimination claim rocks Scotland Yard
One of Scotland Yard's most senior officers on Thursday used a televised press conference to declare war on Commissioner Sir Ian Blair.
- Evening Standard
- Published: 23:53 August 29, 2008
London: One of Scotland Yard's most senior officers on Thursday used a televised press conference to declare war on Commissioner Sir Ian Blair.
Metropolitan Police (Met) Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur made an unprecedented personal attack on his boss as he gave for the first time the details of his industrial tribunal race and religious discrimination claim.
The Met's most senior Muslim officer singled out Sir Ian, saying his claim was not aimed at the force - which he said he "loved and admired" - but was simply about his treatment by the commissioner.
Flanked by his lawyer and Alfred John, chairman of the Black Police Association, Ghaffur claimed he was not motivated by money or bitterness over not being promoted.
Uncomfortable territory
He said: "My case is essentially to do with my treatment at the highest levels of the Met, in particular the discrimination that I have been subjected to over a long period by the Commissioner Sir Ian Blair.
"It is to do with the continuation of that treatment into the very important job assigned to me, ensuring the security and safety of the 2012 Olympics. It is also to do with the victimisation which I have suffered and my grievances linked to the media."
He said he found himself in "unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory" by launching the claim. "My situation has nothing to do with displeasure at not being promoted. I'm content with my achievements so far," he said. "I'm not seeking massive monetary benefits and I do not have grievances against the whole of the Met, an organisation I dearly love and admire."
It is the first time an officer of such seniority has sued his own force.
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