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March 30, 2006updated 22 Nov 2022 6:44pm

Galloway threatens to ‘out’ fake sheikh

By Press Gazette

MP George Galloway has said he plans to un-mask the News of the World’s "fake sheikh" and investigations editor after being targeted by one of his stings.

Galloway claimed to have pictures of Mazher Mahmood which he intends make "widely available".

The Respect MP for Bethnal Green and Bow said he was approached on Saturday evening by two men — claiming to be Sam Fernando and Pervaiz Khan — who said they could provide illicit funding to his party.

He claimed they also encouraged him to make antisemitic remarks.

Galloway said he has referred the matter to the Met Police and that one of the men was Mahmood.

"This was a blatant and outrageous attempt to suborn an MP. But it was so heavy-handed that I immediately smelled a rat. The two claimed to be Muslims, but were ignorant of Muslim customs and practices. The press have, of course, an obligation to investigate corruption, but this was a blatant attempt to create it and is completely unacceptable."

Galloway has demanded that the NoW hand over all material relating to their alleged investigation of him.

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A spokesman for the News of the World said: "The News of the World has been carrying out wholly legitimate enquiries into the activities of a number of individuals, among whom is Mr George Galloway, MP.

"The results of the investigation will be published in the newspaper this weekend."

The paper has also urged newspapers not to publish pictures of Mahmood, who has helped jail of 130 criminals through his stories.

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

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