Controversial British Bangladeshi Mayor of Tower Hamlets has been accused of 'corruption' and 'illegal practices' at a hearing in the High Court.
Lutfur Rahman, the UK's first elected Muslim mayor, was also been accused of being a "liar" who used intimidation and engaged in fraudulent practices during his campaign for a second term in office early last year. He is said to have had the support of close associates who organized meetings in the community and promoted the message that the opposition Labour Party was "un-Islamic" whilst a vote against Mr Rahman would be "haram".
Mr Rahman stood as an independent candidate after he was expelled from the Labour party over links with an Islamic extremist group.
The High Court petition was brought by Tower Hamlet residents, Azmal Hussain, a Labour Party supporter and restaurant owner; Labour Party candidate Debbie Simone; UKIP supporter Angela Moffat and Andy Erlam, an anti-corruption campaigner.
If the allegations of electoral fraud are proved, Mr Rahman's election will be declared void and he will be suspended. He denies any wrongdoing. The hearing continues.
