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Asian officer relieved of duties Asian officer relieved of duties
(40 minutes 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.
Mr Ghaffur accused the Met of carrying out "wilful acts of victimisation".Mr Ghaffur accused the Met of carrying out "wilful acts of victimisation".
Following the decision Mr Ghaffur said: "It is obvious to me the actions that have been taken, today and yesterday, have all the hallmarks of wilful acts of victimisation against me for explaining I had made my complaint. Following the decision Mr Ghaffur said: "It is obvious to me the actions that have been taken, today and yesterday, have all the hallmarks of wilful acts of victimisation against me for explaining why I had made my complaint.
"I will not stand by and permit victimisation to take place unchallenged."
He added that he would consult his lawyers about future proceedings "on the basis of unlawful victimisation".
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 (BPA) also said Mr Ghaffur was "victimised" by Sir Ian.
Mr Ghaffur lodged the claim against the Met with an employment tribunal on 22 August.Mr 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 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. He added: "To permit victimisation for commencing discrimination litigation to go unchallenged would send entirely the wrong message about race relations and equal opportunities - that the risks involved in complaining of discrimination are too great."
"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. Mr Ghaffur added he would consult his lawyers about future proceedings "on the basis of unlawful victimisation".
"Certainly, it is the case that the interests of Londoners are not being well served by this current situation. Earlier Sir Ian 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.
Sir Ian said: "It is also clear this is having a negative impact on the London 2012 Olympic Security programme and risks undermining confidence in it.
Sir Ian said he wanted the issues to be resolved through mediationSir Ian said he wanted the issues to be resolved through mediation
"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. "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 (employment tribunal) application or the fact that he has made the allegations which are the subject matter of the ET claim. "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 advisers 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 advisers and organisations supporting him."
Sir Ian added that the Met wanted to "find a way to resolve his issues through a mediated process".Sir Ian added that 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. During his absence, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Chris Allison will take over the command of Central Operations, including the contribution to Olympic security.
'Necessary move' 'At your own peril'
A statement from the BPA said the organisation was "disappointed" that Mr Ghaffur had been "victimised" by Sir Ian. The Met's Black Police Association (BPA) also said that Mr Ghaffur had been "victimised" by Sir Ian.
"The message that this sends to black and 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 and 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 said.
London mayor Boris Johnson backed Sir Ian's decision, saying it was "a necessary move" and in the best interests of policing in the capital.London mayor Boris Johnson backed Sir Ian's decision, saying it was "a necessary move" and in the best interests of policing in the capital.
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, although the tribunal ruled that this was because other candidates had more experience, or had performed better at interview.Commander Shabir Hussain claimed he was overlooked for promotion four times, although the tribunal ruled that this was because other candidates had more experience, or had 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.