‘Chinese spy’ calls in legal firm used by Isis bride Shamima Begum to protest his innocence
A SUSPECTED Chinese spy has called in the legal firm used by Isis bride Shamima Begum to protest his innocence.
The ex-Parliamentary aide, 28, issued a statement via Birnberg Peirce, which also defended Wikileaks boss Julian Assange.
There is fury in Westminster after the researcher was arrested in March but it was hidden from all but a handful of ministers and senior MPs.
Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle warned against naming the man using Parliamentary privilege.
He told MPs: “Commenting on the identities of those alleged to be involved, engaging in speculation on the case or discussing other details runs a serious risk of prejudicing any future prosecutions.”
In an anonymous statement via the legal firm, the suspect said: “Given what has been reported, it is vital it’s known I am completely innocent.
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“I have spent my career trying to educate others about the challenge and threats presented by the Chinese Communist Party.”
PM Rishi Sunak said the sanctity of Parliament “must be protected”.
But No10 hinted the row will not stop Beijing from being invited to Britain’s AI summit later this year.
Foreign Affairs Committee boss Alicia Kearns, who hired the suspect, was also criticised.
China called the suspect’s arrest a “political farce” and “slander”.
SUSPECT AT US DO
THE Commons aide accused of spying for China attended an event with the US Ambassador.
The suspect mingled with the diplomatic elite in a photo taken at a lavish party in 2022 at Winfield House, America’s official residence in Regent’s Park.
The shot is believed to have been taken at the ambassador’s annual party for US Independence Day.
It was attended by ambassadors from US allies like Israel, as well as multiple British Cabinet ministers and top MPs.