Councillor in web hate row

Feb 9 2010 by Gavin McInally, Paisley Daily Express

POLICE are investigating an internet hate campaign which targets one of Paisleys most controversial councillors.

Cops have been called in by well-known Ferguslie politician Terry Kelly, who says he is the victim of a malicious impersonator who posted hate-filled rants against Jewish people.

Following the vile comments, which were posted on two message boards which focus on the conflict in the Middle East, the out-spoken pro-Palestinian councillors own website was inundated with complaints from furious readers branding him anti-Semitic.

The disgusting comments also appeared in a national newspaper forum.

Last night, as the abuse continued to escalate, Mr Kelly revealed police are probing the matter.

He said: Certain individuals have been impersonating me by using my name and photograph on various websites and blogs while making anti-Semitic comments.

I want to make it clear that although I have taken issue with the government of the state of Israel and its policies with regards to Palestine, I have never and would never make derogatory statements about the Jewish people.

Ive been through a lot of hustle and bustle of politics for 40 years and through my web blog theres been many heated debates because I do have strong personal views which people dont always agree with, but this is very different.

I dont know who these people are and I dont know what they are capable but what I do know is that they are deadly serious and the level of hatred thats been shown towards me has been very worrying.

He added: I have reported this matter to the police who are investigating and I am confident the people who are using my name and photograph to make these malicious comments will be traced and the appropriate action taken against them.

However, in an e-mail to the Paisley Daily Express Ruth Renwick complained about a post made by Mr Kelly on his own blog.

She said: I am writing to express my concern at a statement published by councillor Terry Kelly on his own website which said: Dont buy Israeli goods; dont have dealings with Israel; dont visit the place; ban sporting contacts with them; shun them for the vile racists they are; force them through an economic blockade to do the decent thing.

Force them to act as they once did; when their treatment under the Nazis won them the respect and affection of most of the world.

Many people like me remain livid at the behaviour of the Israeli State; behaviour that has made many of us move from being massively sympathetic to the suffering of the Jews to being livid at the way they continue to treat the Palestinians.

Ms Renwick added: At best this comment is extremely irresponsible, at worst it is a clear incitement of hatred against the Jewish people.

Mr Kelly defended his own comments on his blog.

Last night a police spokesman confirmed they were investigating the hate mail.

He added: We have received a complaint from councillor Terry Kelly and we will be looking into the matter.