Labour appoints official who called for Palestinian murderer to be freed

Labour has appointed a senior official who has called for a convicted Palestinian murderer to be freed from an Israeli jail.

Fadel Takrouri, the party’s new West Midlands regional director, was pictured at an event calling for the release of Marwan Barghouti.

Barghouti is serving five life sentences for his involvement in the murder of Israelis and being a member of a terror group.

Mr Takrouri, chairman of the British Arab Federation, was appointed to the role despite having no campaigning experience, according to Labour website the Red Roar.

Fadel Takrouri, the party’s new West Midlands regional director, was pictured at an event calling for the release of Marwan Barghouti

He was photographed at an event in Parliament holding a poster calling for Barghouti to be freed from jail in Israel.

Labour MPs Richard Burden and Andy Slaughter were also present at the event, which was organised by the All Party Parliamentary Britain-Palestine Group. 

Barghouti was arrested in 2002, and convicted of five counts of murder and membership of a terrorist organisation two years later.

Despite being behind bars, he wields considerable influence in Palestinian politics. Labour’s regional directors oversee the selection of candidates and handle disputes and complaints from the local area.

Tory MP Andrew Percy said: ‘This is a further example of the extremist takeover of the Labour Party. Under Jeremy Corbyn, it seems supporting murderers and terrorists is good for your career prospects.’

Labour pointed out that many public figures had called for Barghouti to be freed, including former Israeli leader Shimon Peres, who said he would sign a pardon for him when running for the presidency.

A party spokesman said: ‘We don’t comment on staffing matters.’