Conservative MP Bob Stewart Guilty of Racial Abuse
Conservative MP Bob Stewart from Beckenham has been found guilty of racially abusing activist Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei outside the Foreign Office. Stewart told Alwadaei to “go back to Bahrain” and accused him of taking money from the country during a heated demonstration.
Shocking Courtroom Footage Captures Fiery Exchange
The drama played out on camera at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Stewart was seen telling Alwadaei to “go away” and calling him a “stupid man.” Prosecutor Paul Jarvis slammed Stewart’s behaviour as clearly showing “racial hostility,” leaving Alwadaei feeling “upset and humiliated.”
MP Denies Racism, Calls Verdict “Absurd”
Despite the guilty ruling, the prosecution admitted Stewart’s actions may not have been motivated by racial hostility. Stewart strongly denied the accusations, labelling them “absurd” and “totally unfair.” He said appearing in court had been deeply hurtful and insisted he was not racist, pointing instead to allegations of corruption and financial misconduct as the true motives behind tensions.
Honour on the Line and £835 Legal Bill
The trial centred heavily on Stewart’s sense of honour. The MP pleaded, “My honour was at stake in front of a large number of ambassadors.” Along with the guilty verdict, Stewart was ordered to pay £835 in legal costs.
This case highlights the tricky waters surrounding racial abuse claims and the damage such incidents can inflict on reputations and public trust.
