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A Belfast city councillor has vowed to fight a decision to suspend her from council duties for four months while investigations are carried out into complaints about statements she made about Islam.
Independent councillor Jolene Bunting, who formerly represented the TUV, revealed on social media yesterday that she had been suspended from her duties “for criticising Islam”.
“This is a dark day for democracy and freedom of speech,” the Greater Shankill (Court DEA) representative, who has had links with far-right group Britain First, posted on her Facebook page.
A statement issued by the Northern Ireland Local Government Commissioner for Standards (NILGCS) said the acting commissioner had decided to suspend councillor Bunting for four months while an investigation into complaints against her continues.