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BBC journalist exposed by the JC over antisemitism tweets leaves the corporation

Nimesh Thaker used an anonymous Twitter account to attack Jewish presenter Emma Barnett and defend Jeremy Corbyn over Jew-hate

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A BBC journalist exposed by the JC over his comments on antisemitism has now left the corporation.

Nimesh Thaker, who worked at BBC World News, used an anonymous Twitter account to attack a speech made by the Jewish presenter Emma Barnett on her Radio 5 Live show in which she detailed the impact of the Holocaust on her family.

Following the JC report in September, the BBC confirmed it had  launched  an investigation into the conduct of the experienced journalist and producer  who repeatedly dismissed antisemitism claims under the pseudonymous handle ‘Not That Bothered’.

On Thursday, The Times reported that Mr Thaker had resigned from his job as a broadcast journalist during the disciplinary process – meaning he would escape further scrutiny.

A BBC spokesperson would not comment.

Mr Thaker retweeted the claim that Newsnight presenter Ms Barnett was “using the same old antisemitism excuse whenever people criticise Israel” when she spoke about her view of the tweets sent by the antisemitic rapper Wiley.

He also shared claims that Israel was “a racist state” and regularly defended Jeremy Corbyn over his failure over antisemitism.

Mr Thaker also described Tim Davie, the new BBC director-general, as a “white male Tory.”  Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden had described the JC’s report on Mr Thaker’s activity as “very concerning.”

A BBC source said the case had caused much concern within the corporation - particularly the tweets directed at Ms Barnett, who is widely respected. 

 

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