LONDON: An outspoken lawmaker who declared an “Israel-free zone” in a northern English city suffered a broken jaw in an attack believed to be linked to his support for the Palestinians, his party said on Saturday.

George Galloway, who criticised the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein, was attacked in west London on Friday night.

“It is thought that the attack is connected to Mr Galloway’s support for the Palestinian cause,” the left-wing Respect Party said in a statement.

Incident thought to be linked to legislator’s support for Palestinians

The outspoken Scot, dubbed “Gorgeous George” by the British media, recently made headlines when he declared Bradford to be an Israel-free zone and urged people to reject all Israeli goods, services and even tourists.

A Respect spokesman said the incident appeared to be connected to Israel because the attacker had been shouting something about the Holocaust.

Mr Galloway stunned British politicians when he won his West Bradford seat in 2012. The city has a large Muslim minority.

He became one of only a handful of lawmakers from outside the three major parties.

A man was charged with a religiously-motivated “assault by beating” on Mr Galloway, police said.

They said Neil Masterson, 39, had been charged with “assault by beating which is religiously aggravated” and would appear in court on Monday.

Mr Galloway, meanwhile, has been discharged from hospital after treatment for his injuries.

Published in Dawn, August 31th, 2014