Key Points
- The Green Party has suspended Aziz Rahman Hakimi, a council election candidate for Haverstock ward in Camden, following an investigation into his social media posts alleging anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.
- Mr Hakimi reposted claims that the March arson attacks on Hatzola Jewish volunteer ambulances in Golders Green were a “false flag” operation carried out by Israel, sparking outrage in April.
- His social media activity included reposts alleging “Zionists” were responsible for the 9/11 attacks, as revealed in a dossier shared with the press.
- In 2021, Mr Hakimi posted directly that Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was an “Israeli poppet”. (from query)
- Another post shared by his account urged Muslims not to smoke, claiming it funded the tobacco industry to “fund the Jews to kill our brothers”. (from query)
- Labour and Liberal Democrats urged the Greens to drop Mr Hakimi, describing his views as “abhorrent and anti-Semitic”.
- The Green Party initially stated the comments “did not reflect the party’s views or values” and launched an investigation over two weeks ago; suspension confirmed now.
- Mr Hakimi, a civil engineer and local business owner, did not respond to requests for comment.
- Labour sources claimed Green Party election posters have been removed from Mr Hakimi’s shop window.
- The Hatzola arson on 23 March 2026 involved four ambulances set ablaze near a synagogue; treated as an anti-Semitic hate crime by the Metropolitan Police, with three suspects charged.
- Local elections are set for 7 May 2026, with the Haverstock ward race described as tight.
Camden (North London News) May 2, 2026. The suspension follows a party investigation into social media posts by Mr Hakimi that promoted anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, including claims blaming Israel for arson attacks on Jewish ambulances. As reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the probe was triggered over two weeks ago after a dossier of candidates’ online activity was shared with the press.
- Key Points
- What Led to the Suspension of the Green Party’s Camden Candidate?
- How Did Political Rivals Respond to Hakimi’s Posts?
- What Is the Context of the Hatzola Arson Attacks?
- Why Is the Green Party Facing Scrutiny over Candidates?
- Background of the Development
- Prediction: Impact on Haverstock Ward Voters
What Led to the Suspension of the Green Party’s Camden Candidate?
A repost on Mr Hakimi’s social media profile in April alleged that the destruction of Hatzola ambulances in Golders Green was a “false flag” operation by Israel.
The incident occurred in the early hours of 23 March 2026, when four vehicles from the Jewish volunteer service were set alight near a synagogue, causing explosions from gas cylinders and damage to nearby buildings, though no injuries were reported.
As detailed in coverage by the Evening Standard, Mr Hakimi, standing in Haverstock ward, faced accusations of “abhorrent and anti-Semitic” conduct over this and other posts.
The Metropolitan Police are treating the arson as an anti-Semitic hate crime, with charges against Hamza Iqbal, 20, from Leyton; Rehan Khan, 19, from Leyton; and a 17-year-old from Walthamstow.
The LDRS revealed further posts, including reposts claiming “Zionists” orchestrated the 9/11 attacks. Screenshots circulated showing Mr Hakimi shared content, labelling the Hatzola attack similarly, and a 2018 post saying
“stay strong Hamas”.
In 2021, Mr Hakimi posted that Sir Keir Starmer was an “Israeli puppet”. His account also shared a post warning Muslims against smoking, stating it helped the tobacco industry
How Did Political Rivals Respond to Hakimi’s Posts?
Labour and the Liberal Democrats called for Mr Hakimi’s removal. As reported by Yahoo News, Labour council leader Richard Olszewski stated:
“Aziz Hakimi’s actions are utterly unacceptable and anti-Semitic. I am shocked that the Camden Green Party nominated him. Such views are unwelcome in our borough, and the Camden Green Party must immediately distance itself from Hakimi and inform Haverstock voters that they no longer endorse his candidacy.”
The Green Party responded initially to LDRS, that the comments
“did not reflect the party’s views or values”
and placed Mr Hakimi under investigation. The BBC noted the party condemned the remarks, asserting they
“do not represent the views and values of the Green Party.”
Mr Hakimi, a civil engineer and local business owner, did not respond to requests for comment from multiple outlets. Labour sources indicated Green Party election posters were removed from his shop window.
What Is the Context of the Hatzola Arson Attacks?
The arson targeted Hatzola, a Jewish volunteer ambulance service, in Golders Green on 23 March 2026. Surveillance footage showed three men fleeing; no injuries occurred despite explosions. The attack drew widespread condemnation amid rising anti-Semitic incidents.
As covered by the Camden New Journal, Mr Hakimi’s repost of a “false flag” claim about this event contributed to the backlash. Podcast London News Today highlighted additional allegations, including support for Hamas, amid a tight race for 7 May 2026 elections.
Why Is the Green Party Facing Scrutiny over Candidates?
The party has dealt with multiple candidate controversies recently. In Croydon, another candidate faced similar accusations. The BBC reported investigations into Green and Reform UK candidates for racist posts.
For Haverstock, the LDRS confirmed the suspension as the investigation concluded. With elections approaching, the move addresses pressure from rivals and community concerns.
Mr Hakimi remains listed on some voter sites as the Green candidate, though party support is withdrawn. The Haverstock ward contest could influence the Camden Council balance.
This development underscores ongoing efforts by parties to vet candidates ahead of local polls.
Background of the Development
The suspension stems from social media scrutiny during the run-up to the Camden Council elections on 7 May 2026. A dossier compiled from candidates’ online activity was shared with the press in mid-April 2026, prompting initial outrage.
The Green Party launched its probe then, leading to the confirmation on 2 May 2026 by LDRS. Haverstock ward has seen competitive races, with Greens aiming to gain seats. The Hatzola arson, occurring amid heightened tensions, provided context for the “false flag” claims. Mr Hakimi’s profile as a local business owner amplified local impact.
Prediction: Impact on Haverstock Ward Voters
This development can affect Haverstock ward voters by altering campaign dynamics ahead of 7 May 2026 polls. Voters may shift support to other parties like Labour or Liberal Democrats, who criticised the posts, potentially tightening the race.
Removal of posters from Mr Hakimi’s shop signals reduced visibility for the Greens locally. Community concerns over anti-Semitism could influence turnout among Jewish residents in nearby Golders Green. Overall, it prompts voters to reassess candidate suitability based on verified party actions.
