A councillor from Tower Hamlets has been charged with attempting to interfere in a rape investigation.

Abdul Malik, who represents Blackwall and Cubitt Town for the ruling Aspire party, faces accusations of perverting the course of justice.

According to a charge first listed at Thames Magistrates’ Court last week, he allegedly contacted the father of a 16-year-old rape complainant and urged him to persuade his daughter to withdraw her allegations and secure the suspect’s release from custody.

WE REPORTED: Tower Hamlets councillor accused of trying to get 16-year-old girl to drop rape allegation

The alleged offence took place on January 23.

The case has been escalated to Snaresbrook Crown Court, where Malik is scheduled to enter a plea on March 14.

Malik, 50, of Mercury Walk, Poplar, has been elected to Tower Hamlets Council three times—in 2010, 2018, and 2022.

He currently chairs the council’s human resources committee and is a member of its licensing committee. He is also listed as a director of Castalia Food and Grocery Store on the Isle of Dogs.

When asked about Malik’s ability to carry out his duties or whether any contingency measures had been implemented, Tower Hamlets Council declined to provide details, citing active legal proceedings.

“We are unable to comment on the case due to ongoing legal proceedings,” the council stated—despite not being asked to comment on the case itself to the local media.

Source: Ham&High