THE Press Complaints Commission (PCC) has been called on to investigate the Sunday Express for its decision to publish the now-notorious column by TV chat-show host 'Kilroy' attacking Arabs in general as terrorists last Sunday.
London Euro-MP Jean Lambert has lodged an official complaint claiming the paper's decision to publish the article was tantamount to inciting racial hatred, a charge already being considered against Kilroy by police called in to investigate by the Commission for Racial Equality.
Mrs Lambert, Green Party MEP and member of the European Parliament's Civil Liberties Committee, said: "The Sunday Express editor has today claimed neither Kilroy - nor the paper - is guilty of racism.
"Whether or not the article accurately reflected Kilroy's views at this time, the Sunday Express printed it, knowing it would be inflammatory and offensive to many - doubtless having sought careful legal advice on the implications of its publication."
Mrs
Lambert added: "I have asked the Press Complaints commission to investigate
the Sunday Express's decision to publish the article attributed to Kilroy, specifically
whether the article breaches
anti-discrimination provisions of the PCC's own
code of conduct. Regardless of the consequences faced by Kilroy himself, the Sunday
Express must not escape censure for disseminating last Sunday's appalling attack
on Arabs."
ENDS
For more information please contact Ben Duncan on 020 7407 6280, 07973 823358 or at press@greenmeps.org.uk