Muslim councillor proposes anti racism motion after facing Twitter abuse

The Littlehampton Gazette reports on the motion to be submitted to Adur District Council by a Muslim councillor after he was subjected to racial abuse in the weeks leading up to the EU referendum.

Cllr Sami Zeglam, 24, said that he received abuse on Twitter and in direct exchanges with instances of people telling him to “go home”. On another occasion, Cllr Zeglam said he was abused at Shoreham Farmers’ Market by a man who “heavily criticised his religion”.

Cllr Zeglam said a member of the public had to intervene after the exchange “got quite heated.”

The Muslim councillor said he had not reported the incidents to the police though he had since suspended his Twitter account. He called on other residents to report any hate crime incidents to Sussex police.

Cllr Zeglam has submitted a motion to the council stating: “We are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society. Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in our country.

“We Adur Council condemn racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally. We will not allow hate to become acceptable.

“Adur Council will work to ensure local bodies and programmes have support and resources needed to fight and prevent racism and xenophobia. We reassure all people living in Adur that they are valued members of our community.”