LONDON, Sept 19: The second most senior Muslim policeman in Britain has been suspended, officials said on Friday, days after the country’s top Muslim officer was forced to take leave after alleging racism by bosses.

The move against Commander Ali Dizaei, which comes in the wake of Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur’s suspension, prompted claims that London’s Metropolitan Police has a problem in handling ethnic minority officers.

The two work for the city’s force, which declined to comment on the latest developments.

Dizaei, who is president of the National Black Police Association and seen as close to Ghaffur, is alleged to have advised defence lawyers on how to undermine a prosecution involving the Metropolitan Police.

Ghaffur was suspended earlier this month by the force’s head Sir Ian Blair after commenting publicly on his race discrimination claim against Blair and other senior officers, prompting an extraordinary public spat.

The Metropolitan Police Authority said it had decided to suspend Dizaei, who had spoken to the media on behalf of Ghaffur, pending an investigation.

“The fact is the two most senior Asian Muslim officers in the country have actually been suspended. There is a problem,” Alfred John, chairman of the Metropolitan Black Police Association, told BBC radio.

“The fact is if you are a minority within the Metropolitan Police Service you are treated less favourably.”—AFP