Home Office official under fire for controversial social media likes
A Home Office official running as a Green Party candidate is now facing two investigations over his social media activity. Atikur Rahman, who oversaw the Conservative Government’s Rwanda deportation treaty, has liked and reacted to posts that sparked controversy. Both his employer and his prospective party are reviewing his online behaviour.
Rahman has worked at the Home Office for nearly three years. During this time, he engaged with several contentious posts. A year ago, he liked a video falsely claiming Israel was 'attacking the UK' and another supporting a chant of 'death to the IDF' at Glastonbury.
Five months later, he reacted to a post memorialising dead Israelis by marking it as 'funny'. He also liked a comment criticising Sir Keir Starmer’s actions. Additionally, he endorsed posts attacking his own department’s leadership, including one calling former Home Secretary Suella Braverman 'evil'.
Rahman has defended himself by stating that his social media interactions were not meant as endorsements. He insists he followed the Civil Service Code throughout his tenure.
Now, the Home Office is examining whether his online activity breached its rules. Meanwhile, the Green Party is also reviewing his posts, as some clash with their stated values. Rahman is currently standing as their candidate for the Tyseley and Hay Mills ward.
The investigations into Rahman’s social media use are ongoing. His future with the Green Party and his role at the Home Office may depend on their outcomes. Both bodies are assessing whether his online conduct aligns with their respective standards.
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