Charlie Klendjian
Charlie Klendjian is a telecoms lawyer who re-launched the Lawyers Secular Society (LSS) in January 2013 and served as Secretary until August 2015.
Klendjian's resignation came after he had agreed to speak in his LSS capacity at a proposed exhibition of cartoons of the prophet Mohammed, which had been scheduled to take place in London in September 2015. The event was principally being organised by the group [[Sharia Watch], led by Klendjian's close associate Anne Marie Waters, a former UKIP candidate.
Klendjian initially defended the decision to speak at this event on a platform alongside Waters and other far-right figures including Dutch anti-Islam politician Geert Wilders and Paul Weston of Liberty GB, downplaying their well-known racism.[1]
However, he subsequently pulled out of speaking, citing 'personal reasons' but claimed that the LSS remained supportive of the event and would sent a replacement speaker.[2] No replacement speaker emerged and by mid August the proposed event was cancelled. Klendjian announced his resignation from the LSS on 19 August, citing 'security fears'.[3]
Notes
- ↑ Charlie Klendjian, The LSS is right to share a platform with Geert Wilders and Paul Weston, Lawyers' Secular Society, 30 June 2015, accessed 23 August 2015
- ↑ Charlie Klendjian cancels speaking engagement at Mohammed Exhibition, Lawyers' Secular Society, 2 August 2015, accessed 23 August 2015
- ↑ Charlie Klendjian leaves the LSS over security fears, Lawyers' Secular Society, 19 June 2015, accessed 23 August 2015
