 Print
Ontario MPP Goldie Ghamari Under Fire for Meeting with Notorious Islamophobe Tommy Robinson
6-26-2024
Ontario Progressive Conservative MPP Goldie Ghamari is facing intense criticism following a digital meeting with Tommy Robinson, a far-right British figure known for his Islamophobic views and criminal history. The backlash has sparked calls for her removal from the party caucus.
Key Points:
Controversial Meeting: Goldie Ghamari, MPP for Carlton, engaged in an online discussion with Tommy Robinson, founder of the English Defence League, a group frequently described as Islamophobic and far-right. Robinson has a criminal record in the UK, including convictions for contempt of court and assault.
Ghamari's Defense: In response to the criticism, Ghamari claimed she was unaware of Robinson’s history before the meeting. She stated her intentions were to discuss the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), recently listed as a terrorist entity in Canada, and its impact on the Iranian-Canadian community.
Condemnation from Muslim Group: The National Council of Canadian Muslims expressed outrage over Ghamari’s engagement with Robinson and demanded her removal from the Progressive Conservative Party caucus. They highlighted Robinson’s history of Islamophobia and his criminal past. NCCM issued a statement as follows:
We are shocked and furious after MPP Goldie Ghamari decided to once again demonstrate completely unacceptable conduct for a sitting elected official.
MPP Ghamari decided this week to not only meet well-known British Islamophobe and criminal Tommy Robinson, but to also publicize her meeting by posting about it online.
Robinson went to prison for assaulting a police officer. He also led the English Defence League (EDL), a far-right group that has been linked to the Islamophobic Norwegian mass shooter who killed 77 people in 2011.
The shooter referred to the EDL as “having noble intentions.” The group’s supporters have also been arrested for plots to bomb mosques, from 2009 to 2014. Robinson was the face of this organization. He was also recently arrested while in Canada for several breaches of the law.
“MPP Ghamari was also called out last year for spreading Islamophobic garbage on her social media,” said NCCM CEO Stephen Brown. “She apologized for that, but this latest conduct is truly disappointing and egregious. No apology is sufficient at this point.”
We ask Premier Doug Ford for MPP Ghamari to be immediately removed from caucus.
Political Reactions: Opposition politicians, including members of the Ontario NDP, have also condemned Ghamari’s actions. They questioned her decision to engage with a known anti-Islam activist, highlighting the inconsistency in her stance against hate.
Premier's Office Silence: There has been no response from the premier’s office regarding whether the meeting has been addressed by the party leadership.
Ghamari's actions have raised significant concerns about her judgment and the potential impact on her political career. The controversy underscores the need for elected officials to thoroughly vet individuals they engage with, especially those with contentious and harmful histories.
Contact Information: For further updates and to express your views, contact your local MPP or the Premier’s office directly.
Footnotes:
|