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Piers Corbyn arrested but denies antisemitism, saying he was married to ‘Jewess’

Elder brother of former Labour leader questioned on suspicion of malicious communications after Auschwitz anti-vaxx flyers distributed in south London

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Piers Corbyn, brother of Jeremy Corbyn, the former leader of Britain's opposition Labour party, addresses supporters as he arrives at Westminster Magistrates court in central London on November 27, 2020. - Piers is accused of attending anti-lockdown and anti vaccine protests at Hyde Park during the first coronavirus COVID-19 lockdown period. (Photo by Tolga Akmen / AFP) (Photo by TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images)

Piers Corbyn denied accusations of antisemitism citing his marriage to a "Jewess" after his arrest on Wednesday in connection with a leaflet comparing the UK’s vaccination strategy to Auschwitz. 
 
The Metropolitan Police confirmed officers had arrested a 73-year-old man in Southwark yesterday on suspicion of malicious communications and public nuisance. 
 
Another man, 37, was arrested the same day in Bow on suspicion of a public order offence, but the force did not confirm either men’s identities. 
 
“Both men were taken to a south London police station. They have since been bailed to return on a date in early March,” a spokesperson said. 
 
Mr Corbyn, elder brother to the former Labour leader, told the JC he had volunteered to be questioned. “They gave a formal arrest so they could search anything they wanted, but they didn’t charge us.”
 
He also denied accusations of antisemitism citing his marriage to a “Jewess.”
 
“The idea we’re antisemitic in any way is completely absurd. 
 
“I was married for 22 years to a Jewess and obviously her mother’s forebears fled the Baltic states just before the war because of Hitler or the Nazis in general. 
 
“I’ve worked with Jewish leading world scientists over the last 30 years," he said. "I've also employed Jewish people in my business Weather Action, one of whom was a superb worker."
 
He also said he supported a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

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