Green Party councillor cleared by Charity Commission

A Green Party councillor and chair of one of the region's biggest mosques can continue to serve as a trustee after the Charity Commission decided not to disqualify him.

Abdul Malik was investigated by the regulator - and temporarily suspended as chair of Easton Mosque in Bristol - after sharing a social media post about the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel.

The commission concluded that his conduct was "damaging to trust and confidence in charities" but "did not fully meet the legal test" for disqualification.

Malik welcomed the decision but said the process had been "deeply challenging".

"From the outset, I have said that this was a single mistake, made without malicious intent, corrected promptly, and followed by reflection and reform," Malik added.

"I am grateful that the review has recognised this and applied the law with fairness, proportionality, and humanity."

The Commission had initially proposed a three-year, sector-wide ban, which Malik and his supporters argued was "disproportionate".

Following a review of the case, including Malik's representations, it concluded that the "decision to repost this material on social media was unquestionably wrong" but said Malik would be allowed to continue serving.

"We take very seriously any alleged links between a charity and extremism or terrorism. Such links are abhorrent, and corrosive to the trust on which the charitable sector depends," a commission spokesperson said.

"Should any further concerns come to light we will not hesitate to assess those and reserve all regulatory options for the future."

The Charity Commission is not able to issue an official warning for personal conduct, and suggested this case highlights a gap in its powers.

Malik said he welcomed the decision and confirmation that the matter is now closed.

"It is right that regulators act robustly where there is wrongdoing, but it is equally vital that mistakes are judged in context, and that accountability does not become punishment for its own sake", he said.

"I remain fully committed to serving my community, strengthening governance, and continuing my work in the charitable sector with integrity and transparency."

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