Complaint
A viewer complained about a reference to comments by the prospective MP Azhar Ali as being “a±č±č˛ą°ů±đ˛ÔłŮ±ô˛â antisemitic”.  The complainant considered this risked conflating legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism. The ECU considered whether the remark met the standards for due accuracy and impartiality set out in the Editorial Guidelines.
Outcome
Mr Ali had claimed the government of Israel had “d±đ±ôľ±˛ú±đ°ů˛ąłŮ±đ±ô˛â” allowed the 7 October attacks to occur, so that they had “the green light” to do what they wanted in the region. He was subsequently reported to have said the suspension of Andy McDonald from the Labour Party was caused by "people in the media from certain Jewish quarters".  In the light of this, the ECU took the view that reference to these remarks as “a±č±č˛ą°ů±đ˛ÔłŮ±ô˛â” antisemitic would be unlikely to mislead viewers or give the the impression of taking sides. The word “a±č±č˛ą°ů±đ˛ÔłŮ±ô˛â” made clear some degree of dispute was attached to the question whilst the introduction to the report referred to comments which had “a±ô±ô±đ˛µ±đ»ĺ±ô˛â” been made.  The report also featured Anas Sarwar of Scottish Labour making the distinction between legitimate criticism of Israel and comments which were antisemitic and stressing the importance of distinguishing the two.
Not Upheld