A Cardiff city councillor, Cllr Imran Latif, is facing charges related to a pro-Palestine protest that took place on June 3, 2024. Despite denying the allegations made against him, Cllr Latif has been suspended from the Welsh Liberal Democrats group at Cardiff Council pending the outcome of the legal proceedings. The charges against him include causing significant disturbance by locking onto a person/object/ground and using threatening/abusive language likely to cause alarm or distress. This development has led to Cllr Latif’s suspension from his political group.
The Welsh Liberal Democrats confirmed Cllr Imran Latif’s suspension from their political group at Cardiff Council. This decision was made in light of the charges brought against him following his involvement in a protest. The incident, which occurred in Cardiff, has resulted in Cllr Latif facing two charges to which he has pleaded not guilty. Despite the suspension, Cllr Latif remains dedicated to serving his constituents in the Penylan ward as a councillor.
In response to the charges, Cllr Latif’s legal representatives, M&M Solicitors, issued a statement declaring his vehement denial of the allegations. They refrained from further comment to avoid compromising his defence in the upcoming trial. The statement also addressed the Cardiff Liberal Democrat Group’s decision to suspend Cllr Latif in line with party policy, indicating that this matter will be revisited post the trial’s conclusion.
South Wales Police reported arresting 16 individuals following a spontaneous protest at the Cardiff Bay Police Station on June 3, 2024. This incident followed a separate protest involving 50 to 60 individuals in Cardiff city centre earlier that day. Protesters were reportedly demonstrating against the conflict in Gaza. Cllr Latif is scheduled to appear at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on May 6, 2025, for his trial related to the charges.
The Welsh Liberal Democrats spokesperson emphasised that upon learning of the charges, Cllr Latif was automatically suspended from the Cardiff Council Liberal Democrat group. This suspension will remain in place until the legal proceedings against him are concluded. Despite the suspension, Cllr Latif can continue to attend council meetings and address council casework until the trial takes place.
As the legal process unfolds, Cllr Imran Latif faces a period of uncertainty with the trial looming ahead. The situation has garnered attention within the political landscape in Cardiff, with implications for Cllr Latif’s role and the perception of his conduct. The suspension from his political group underscores the gravity of the charges brought against him, creating a challenging scenario for the councillor to navigate.
The forthcoming trial will be a crucial juncture in determining Cllr Latif’s legal standing and political future. Until the trial concludes, Cllr Latif remains steadfast in his commitment to serving the Penylan ward constituents. The case involving Cllr Latif exemplifies the intersection of politics and law, underscoring the complexities inherent in balancing public service with legal challenges.