BNP activist was linked to South Africa murder

News in pictures
News in pictures
On Facebook
From the blogs

Bahrain: One year on

I am used to endless lies and criticism from the BNP and its favourite blogster, as well as Islamist...

HIV orphans in Thailand prepare for the future

In Baan Gerda, a community for HIV infected or affected youngsters in Northern Thailand, a group of ...

Online House Hunter: England’s most romantic places

Our Online House Hunter goes in search of romance this Valentine's Day...

Roy Hodgson for England: A club of one

To argue against Harry Redknapp for England is akin to arguing in favour of bankers bonuses. While s...

A far-right activist linked to the murder of Chris Hani, a prominent ANC activist, is just one of a number of white South Africans who are helping the British National Party as it gears up for the European elections.

Arthur Kemp was arrested in connection with the 1993 murder of Hani – one of the most popular black politicians in South Africa – which was intended to derail the country's transition to democracy. Although questioned, he was released without charge and came to the UK in 1996.

Now the editor of the BNP's website and the author of white supremacist books, including the March of the Titans: A History of the White Race, and The Lie of Apartheid, which includes an essay on the Hani murder, he was spotted in the BNP's election headquarters in Wales preparing thousands of campaign leaflets.

According to the anti-racism magazine Searchlight, however, the largest traffic to the BNP's website comes from South Africa and it claims the party is targeting wealthy white South Africans for donations. "Many of them may be friends and relations of the growing number of South African BNP members, of whom Arthur Kemp, editor of the BNP website and in charge of the ideological training of the party's 250 or so elite activists, is the most prominent," Searchlight's website says.

A spokesman for the BNP said that Mr Kemp was a "valued member" of the party, but did not have a specific role in the election campaign. Yesterday, a spokesman for Searchlight said that Mr Kemp's involvement with the party meant that its attempt to present an acceptable public face and to move away from its controversial previous history of links to violent extremists was "unravelling".

Independent Comment
blog comments powered by Disqus
Career Services

Day In a Page

No secularism please, we're British

No secularism please, we're British

Arguments about the role of religion in national life have recently acquired a new urgency
Harold Tillman: 'Chinese tourists can save the high street – if we let them'

Harold Tillman interview

'Chinese tourists can save the high street – if we let them'
Working as a jail torturer ruined my life

Working as a jail torturer ruined my life

Meet the former soldier who has joined the political prisoners he tortured in Turkey's Mamak prison by suing the generals who led a regime of terror
The local high street jet shop

The local high street jet shop

Got a spare $50m and can't stand the queues at Heathrow? Get yourself down to London's first private plane dealership
Do you like your doctor? It could be the death of you

Do you like your doctor?

It could be the death of you...
The mysterious affair of how Agatha Christie is teaching foreigners English

How Agatha Christie is teaching foreigners English

Twenty of the author's novels have been adapted and presented with learning notes and a CD
Six Grammys, five years off: Adele puts love before career

Six Grammys, five years off

Adele puts love before career
The 10 Best binoculars

The 10 Best binoculars

From no-frills to bins with digital cameras
Milan for £300

Milan for £300?

A cultural family holiday - on a budget - to Italy's most stylish city
'Black-hole' resorts: Turn up, tune out, log off

'Black-hole' resorts

Turn up, tune out, log off
New Arsenal face an old question of credibility in San Siro

New Arsenal face an old question of credibility in San Siro

Remodelled since winning in Milan in 2008, for all their consistency – and prize-money – Wenger's side are yet to claim a European title
James Lawton: This prodigal son deserves no forgiveness

James Lawton: This prodigal son deserves no forgiveness

City would be putting their desire to win title ahead of morals if Tevez plays for them
Mark Cavendish: Is Olympic gold at end of the rainbow?

Mark Cavendish interview

Is Olympic gold at end of the rainbow?
Apple admits it has a human rights problem

Apple admits it has a human rights problem

After years of complaints and workers' suicides in China the technology giant faces up to the human cost of its gadgets
Peter Moore: 'I feel guilty I'm the only one alive'

Peter Moore interview

'I feel guilty I'm the only one alive'