By our correspondent LABOUR's NCC, its disciplinary tribunal, has expelled Hassan Ahmed, a prominent left activist in Nottingham East, for five years on a frame-up charge that he attempted "to persuade others to disregard the rules of the Party"
Hassan was accused of proposing at his ward selection meeting in October that they should select unendorsed candidates against the District Labour Party's recommendation.
The minutes show that it was actually David Hunt, a white member with no political sympathy for Hassan, who made the proposal, and that it was Hassan who proposed that the DLP's recommendation be accepted.
True record
Of 22 members present, 20 endorse the minutes as a true record. Not all were Asian. Only 2 claimed otherwise, after charges had been brought by the DLP's Eileen Heppell.
Despite David Hunt giving evidence in person and conflicting evidence from the accusers, the NCC expelled Hassan.
Hassan Ahmed has been witch hunted out of the Party with hardly a murmur being raised by the vast majority of white LP members, including sections of the left and Nottingham South MP Alan Simpson, Secretary of the Socialist Campaign Group.
Heppell's husband is John Heppell, MP for Nottingham East. Hassan Ahmed was a threat in future reselections.
A conspiracy theory linked Hassan with Issan Ghazni, exDLP Secretary, that they were attempting to deselect Labour councillors and take over the City Council! Hassan has just finished a 3 year suspension for organising black sections.
Hassan's expulsion shows the corrupt and undemocratic way the Labour Party now operates. The leadership is unwilling to tackle racism or fight for the demands of black communities ravaged by unemployment and poverty.
No confidence It is hardly surprising that black people have little faith in white Labour Party politicians, and mobilise to support candidates from their own communities.
With the Labour Party still a predominantly white organisation, we should be encouraging black membership - the more radical and energetic the better -rather than expelling and alienating them!
So far the Campaign has won support from Tony Benn and a number of local trade union and LP branches.
Support
A public meeting, called for Hassan's reinstatement, has been organised for Friday 10th March at the ICC with speakers from London and Gorton AntiWitchhunt Campaign in Manchester. • Information: Hassan Ahmed Defence Campaign, c/o 253 Woodboraugh Road, St.Anns, Notingham.