UK media regulator suspends supervisor for pro-Palestine Instagram posts

By Mehmet Solmaz

BIRMINGHAM, England (AA) - British media watch dog Ofcom's online safety supervision director was suspended on Monday after comments criticizing Israel were posted on her Instagram account.

Fadzai Madzingira, who was hired in June, posted pro-Palestinian content amid continued Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.

Some media outlets shared screenshots of Madzingira’s private posts in which she allegedly called Israel an “apartheid state.”

She also reportedly liked a post from a Black Lives Matter account which described the British government's support for Israel as "a vile colonial alliance".

Another post which she liked said Britain’s Royal Navy ships in the Middle East were taking part in the "ethnic cleansing and genocide of Palestinians."

In a post on Instagram Stories, she describes herself as a "a student of decolonisation and a deep believer of liberty for all," saying she has "one hope" before posting a Palestinian flag emoji.

The British media reported that Ofcom said: "Having reviewed these comments, we’ve suspended this colleague, pending further investigation."

Ofcom's code of practice says that comments – including social media posts – which might have an adverse effect on Ofcom's reputation and comments on Ofcom policy "should be avoided."