The Charity Commission has launched a statutory investigation into Muslim charity Al-Tawheed Charitable Trust (TUCF) after “anti-Semitic chants” were heard at an event at its premises.

The event was staged by an external organisation at its building four years ago to remember the late Iranian major general Qasem Soleimani, who had been subject to UK government sanctions.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps, which he commanded, is still subject to these sanctions.

“Through reviewing video footage provided to the regulator, the Charity Commission is aware that speakers praised Soleimani and could hear anti-Semitic chants being made during the event,” said the regulator.

“The Commission has significant concerns about these matters and will be examining what controls the charity has in place for events and external speakers.”

TUCF is barred by the regulator from allowing its premises to be used again by the external organisation involved in the event.

It is also “using its information gathering powers to compel the trustees to answer questions and provide copy documents”.

The regulator points out that the charity’s current trustees were not in office at the time of the event.

Under investigation is the trustees’ management and administration of the charity as well as their oversight of the use of its properties by third parties.

The charity’s relationships with partners will also come under scrutiny.

“Charities must not allow their premises or events to become forums for hate speech or unlawful extremism,” said Charity Commission chair Orlando Fraser during a speech last November.

“The Commission will always deal robustly with those who intentionally or recklessly abuse their charities, and we will not hesitate to take action in accordance with the law to protect the reputation of the sector as a whole”.

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