Dizaei launches Met race claim

A senior Scotland Yard officer today filed a claim of racial discrimination against the Metropolitan Police.

Commander Ali Dizaei, the president of the National Black Police Association, will accuse former commissioner Sir Ian Blair and the Met's chief executive Catherine Crawford of colluding to suspend him from duty.

He was suspended in September after being accused of misconduct.

Chairman of the Metropolitan Black Police Association Alfred John today confirmed the claim that papers were served at the Employment Tribunal Office at Victory House, Kingsway, central London, this morning.

Mr Dizaei was previously suspended in 2001 after allegations of corruption and drug use were made.

He was cleared of the charges in 2003 and reinstated and awarded £60,000 compensation.

He claims one of the reasons he was suspended was to prevent him representing his colleague Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur, who last month agreed an out-of-court settlement in his race claim against Scotland Yard.

Speaking from Scotland Yard this morning, Mr John said: "From the BPA's perspective, the claim's about a disparity between what's taken place in the run up to Commander Dizaei's suspension and how other ACPO, high ranking officers, who have gone through similar issues, have been dealt with.

"Why haven't those white, similar officers been suspended as well?

"I'm not saying they are guilty, but the process is inconsistent."

He added: "It really is quite indicative of how black staff within the organisation are dealt with in disciplinary issues."

A spokesman for the Employment Tribunal Office, in London, said it would have to look at Mr Dizaei's claim before fixing a hearing at a later date.

A spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police Authority said it could not comment on Mr Dizaei's allegations until it received full details.

The Met is fighting several high-profile employment tribunal claims, including one recently settled with Yasmin Rehman.

Ms Rehman, a former member of the Met's diversity team who is no longer with the authority, claimed she suffered racist bullying and victimisation.