LONDON, Sept 9: Britain’s top Muslim policeman was suspended on Tuesday from his job after accusing the head of London’s Metropolitan Police of racial discrimination, Scotland Yard said.

Tarique Ghaffur, an assistant commissioner, has been “temporarily relieved” due to concern that his public comments on the case were affecting the “operational effectiveness” of the force, said Metropolitan Police chief Ian Blair.

The decision follows months of reports that Ghaffur planned to take legal action, which erupted into a full-scale war of words last month when he confirmed the move.

The issue of Muslim policing is sensitive in Britain, which has sought to win the trust of the country’s large Muslim communities in the fight against extremism.

Blair -— who has also come under pressure over the shooting by police of an innocent Brazilian in the wake of July 2005 suicide bombings in London — said he would not let the Ghaffur situation fester.

“The interests of Londoners are not being well served by this current situation,” the Met chief said in a statement issued by Scotland Yard.

“Accordingly, I have decided that, for the time being, AC Tarique Ghaffur be temporarily relieved of his responsibilities although he will remain an assistant commissioner in the Metropolitan Police Service.” After months of claims and counter-claims in the press, Ghaffur confirmed late last month that he was taking Blair to an employment tribunal, while denying the move was linked to unhappiness at not being promoted.

At the time he said his complaint was “essentially to do with my treatment at the highest levels of the Met, in particular the discrimination I have been subjected to over a long period by the present commissioner, Sir Ian Blair.” He added it also covered treatment he had faced in his role as security coordinator for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Reacting to Ghaffur’s suspension, the Metropolitan Black Police Association accused Blair of victimising him.

“The message that this sends to black and minority ethnic officers and staff is clear: ‘Exercise your right to challenge unfairness and discrimination at your own peril. You will not be listened to and you and your supporters are likely to be victimised’,” said a spokesman.

Peter Herbert, chairman of the Society of Black Lawyers, issued similar comments.—AFP