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Senedd Member Natasha Asghar has said she is “not prepared to be bullied and intimidated” following “unacceptable” scenes at an event she was speaking at.
The Conservative MS was speaking to Cardiff University’s politics society on Monday November 13 when a group of pro-Palestine protesters started banging on doors and accusing her of “supporting genocide”.
It came after the Senedd voted on a motion calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Ms Asghar was one of 19 Senedd Members not to back the motion.
In a statement, Ms Asghar, who represents South Wales East, said: “Whilst I accept people have the right to protest, the scenes which unfolded at Cardiff University were totally unacceptable, and I am deeply troubled to see some of these protesters painting a very-one sided view on social media.”
She continued: “Chanting all sorts of hateful messages including calling me a ‘murderer’, ramming doors to try to gain access to the room I was in, and pounding on the walls from start to finish is absolutely uncalled for.”
Ms Asghar said it was “an absolute joy” to speak to the students but added she felt “incredibly sorry” that they “had to endure this and that a vocal few attempted to ruin their evening”.
She accused the protesters of “disrupting the event because they didn’t like my answers” and said: “I am not prepared to be bullied and intimidated into not attending important events like these.”
Ms Asghar thanked her team, the police and the university’s security team for “keeping me safe”.
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