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Asian officer relieved of duties Asian officer relieved of duties
(about 3 hours later)
The UK's most senior Asian police officer has been "temporarily relieved of his responsibilities", Commissioner Sir Ian Blair has said.The UK's most senior Asian police officer has been "temporarily relieved of his responsibilities", Commissioner Sir Ian Blair has said.
The decision came after Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur lodged a £1.2m racial discrimination claim against the Metropolitan Police (Met).The decision came after Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur lodged a £1.2m racial discrimination claim against the Metropolitan Police (Met).
Sir Ian said he took the action because of the way Mr Ghaffur had "chosen to conduct himself" in the media.Sir Ian said he took the action because of the way Mr Ghaffur had "chosen to conduct himself" in the media.
The Met's Black Police Association said Mr Ghaffur was "victimised" by Sir Ian. Mr Ghaffur accused the Met of carrying out "wilful acts of victimisation".
Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur lodged the claim against the Met with an employment tribunal on 22 August. In a statement released by his solicitors following the decision to send him on "authorised leave" Mr Ghaffur said he was being 'victimised' because of his complaints of racism against the force.
"Accordingly I shall be discussing with my lawyers the need to commence further proceedings on the basis of unlawful victimisation," he said.
My decision results from the way in which he has chosen to conduct himself Sir Ian BlairMy decision results from the way in which he has chosen to conduct himself Sir Ian Blair
The Met's Black Police Association also said Mr Ghaffur was "victimised" by Sir Ian.
Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur lodged the claim against the Met with an employment tribunal on 22 August.
He claims he was discriminated against on grounds of race, religion and age.He claims he was discriminated against on grounds of race, religion and age.
In a statement Sir Ian Blair said he made the decision to put Mr Ghaffur on "authorised leave of absence" following his recent press conference on his race claim case against the Met.In a statement Sir Ian Blair said he made the decision to put Mr Ghaffur on "authorised leave of absence" following his recent press conference on his race claim case against the Met.
"It is also clear this is having a negative impact on the London 2012 Olympic Security programme and risks undermining confidence in it," the statement said."It is also clear this is having a negative impact on the London 2012 Olympic Security programme and risks undermining confidence in it," the statement said.
"Certainly, it is the case that the interests of Londoners are not being well served by this current situation."Certainly, it is the case that the interests of Londoners are not being well served by this current situation.
"Accordingly, I have decided that, for the time being, AC Tarique Ghaffur be temporarily relieved of his responsibilities although he will remain an assistant commissioner in the Metropolitan Police Service.
Sir Ian said Mr Ghaffur conducted a media campaignSir Ian said Mr Ghaffur conducted a media campaign
"Accordingly, I have decided that, for the time being, AC Tarique Ghaffur be temporarily relieved of his responsibilities although he will remain an assistant commissioner in the Metropolitan Police Service.
"The decision has nothing to do with his actions in filing the ET application or the fact that he has made the allegations which are the subject matter of the ET claim."The decision has nothing to do with his actions in filing the ET application or the fact that he has made the allegations which are the subject matter of the ET claim.
"Rather, my decision results from the way in which he has chosen to conduct himself, for example by the manner in which statements were made in his press conference, and in conducting a media campaign, both personally and through the advisors and organisations supporting him.""Rather, my decision results from the way in which he has chosen to conduct himself, for example by the manner in which statements were made in his press conference, and in conducting a media campaign, both personally and through the advisors and organisations supporting him."
Sir Ian added the Met wanted to "find a way to resolve his issues through a mediated process".Sir Ian added the Met wanted to "find a way to resolve his issues through a mediated process".
Mr Ghaffur is head of security planning for London's 2012 Olympics.Mr Ghaffur is head of security planning for London's 2012 Olympics.
During the period of Mr Ghaffur's absence Deputy Assistant Commissioner Chris Allison will take over the command of Central Operations, including the contribution to Olympic security, Sir Ian said.During the period of Mr Ghaffur's absence Deputy Assistant Commissioner Chris Allison will take over the command of Central Operations, including the contribution to Olympic security, Sir Ian said.
'Necessary move''Necessary move'
A statement from the Metropolitan Black Police Association (BPA) said they were "disappointed that Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur has been victimised in this manner by Sir Ian Blair. A statement from the Metropolitan Black Police Association (BPA) said they were "disappointed that Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur has been "victimised" by Sir Ian Blair.
"The message that this sends to Black & minority ethnic officers and staff is clear - 'Exercise your right to challenge unfairness and discrimination at your own peril. "The message that this sends to black & minority ethnic officers and staff is clear - 'Exercise your right to challenge unfairness and discrimination at your own peril.
'You will not be listened to and you and your supporters are likely to be victimised."'You will not be listened to and you and your supporters are likely to be victimised."
BPA's chairman, Alfred John, described the Met's move as "stealth suspension".BPA's chairman, Alfred John, described the Met's move as "stealth suspension".
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, backed Sir Ian's decision saying it was in the best interests of policing in London.The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, backed Sir Ian's decision saying it was in the best interests of policing in London.
He said: "This is a necessary move in order to restore confidence that the operational efficiency of the Met Police is not compromised."He said: "This is a necessary move in order to restore confidence that the operational efficiency of the Met Police is not compromised."
Earlier this month an employment tribunal dismissed another Asian officer's claims of racial discrimination against the force and the Metropolitan Police Authority.Earlier this month an employment tribunal dismissed another Asian officer's claims of racial discrimination against the force and the Metropolitan Police Authority.
Commander Shabir Hussain claimed he was overlooked for promotion four times but the tribunal said this was because others had more experience or performed better at interview.Commander Shabir Hussain claimed he was overlooked for promotion four times but the tribunal said this was because others had more experience or performed better at interview.
Mr Ghaffur's case is due to be heard in 2009.Mr Ghaffur's case is due to be heard in 2009.