British MP charged with 'racially aggravated' abuse of Bahraini activist
British Conservative MP Bob Stewart has been charged with a "racially aggravated" violation of the Public Order Offence over comments to a leading Bahraini activist.
Bob Stewart, MP for the UK constituency of Beckanham, is alleged to have shouted the comments at Bahrain activist Sayed Alwadaei, head of Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD), after the activist confronted him in London in December.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement that Stewart would appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 5 July.
The MP, a former military officer who has represented Beckenham since 2010, is also charged with using threatening or abusive words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.
Alwadaei is a campaigner has lived in the UK in exile since 2012 over his involvement in pro-democracy protests in Bahrain.
Stay informed with MEE's newsletters
Sign up to get the latest alerts, insights and analysis, starting with Turkey Unpacked
Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form. More about MEE can be found here.
