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Calls for ‘transparent and timely’ end to probe on councillor’s social media use
A petition has been launched in support of a city councillor who was suspended from his leadership position at a mosque for a social media post from 2023.
More than 400 people have signed the “open letter of support” for Green councillor for Ashely, Abdul Malik, who was removed from his position as chair of Jamia Masjid in Easton by the Charity Commission.
The letter said the charity’s decision to suspend Malik for a “historic social media matter” has caused “concern and confusion” in local communities.
People met at St Mark’s Church in Easton for a community meeting held in support of Abdul Malik on Tuesday
The commission’s decision to suspend Malik was in response to a post he shared on Facebook in October 2023, which contained a video from Hamas about their attack on southern Israel.
Malik, who was then a magistrate and has since resigned, was issued a formal warning for misconduct by the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JICO) for the video in February.
The open letter, signed by people from Bristol and beyond, reads: “The immediate suspension issued by the Charity Commission—based on a historic social-media matter from 2023—has caused real concern and confusion in our communities.
“Many feel the action appears disproportionate and does not reflect Abdul’s long record of service. Abdul has served Bristol for over two decades with integrity, compassion, and commitment.
“He has supported vulnerable families, improved community safety, strengthened interfaith relations, and helped people in crisis regardless of background or identity. His leadership at the mosque and in public life is widely respected.
“This matter has already been reviewed by multiple bodies, including the council, judiciary and police.
“At a time when tensions around humanitarian issues such as Gaza remain high, many Muslim residents are understandably worried about fairness, transparency, and equal treatment.”
Signatories further called for a “fair, proportionate, and unbiased” handling of Malik’s case with due recognition of equality and community-impact, considering Abdul’s role in public life and the mosque, which supports vulnerable families.
They have also called for a “timely and transparent conclusion” so the community can “move forward with confidence”.
Abdul Malik was the chair of Jamia Masjid on St Mark’s Road – photo: Betty Woolerton
Malik said the response from the community has been “overwhelming”.
He told Bristol24/7: “I cannot accept the suggestion that I am reckless or a risk to the institution I have spent decades strengthening.
“Out of respect for the Charity Commission’s ongoing process, I won’t comment on the details.
“But I want to assure people that I would never knowingly place the mosque or its reputation in harm’s way.”
“The solidarity shown in recent days reminds me why I have always served — and why I will continue to do so with dignity, patience and determination.”
Malik had previously also emphasised that he condemns “all types of extremism, especially Hamas”.
Commenting on the decision to suspend Malik, the Charity Commission previously said: “We have an ongoing regulatory compliance case into Easton Jamia Masjid to assess concerns regarding a trustee’s personal use of social media.
“As part of this case, we can confirm that we have suspended Abdul Malik as a trustee”.
All photos: Abdul Malik
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