REBELLION against the Labour leadership’s persecution of socialist activists is growing, with the launch of legal action by Jewish Voice for Labour (JVL) demanding that the party end its assault on free speech.

The grassroots organisation has called for the reinstatement of constituency officials who have been suspended for allowing members to discuss allegations of anti-semitism and the suspension of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn from the Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP).

The group has also accused party general secretary David Evans of breaking the law by sending threatening letters to activists. It said it had taken legal advice before sending a solicitor’s letter to Mr Evans, challenging his behaviour.

In a public statement, JVL said it was “alarmed at the torrent of suspensions of Labour Party constituency officers for allowing members to debate critical issues. JVL is demanding their immediate reinstatement.”

And the organisation has commissioned human-rights law firm Bindmans to warn Mr Evans “to stop sending out threatening circulars to local parties.”

JVL said: “These circulars have banned all debate on how the members should react to the Equality & Human Rights Commission’s report on anti-semitism.

“JVL and many others have revealed the report is poorly argued and its findings of unlawful conduct are legally very uncertain.

“Evans has also told members they may not discuss the removal of the whip from Jeremy Corbyn, which was done by Keir Starmer in breach of PLP rules.”

Members in hundreds of constituencies have “rebelled against Evans’s attempt to throttle” free speech and legitimate debate, JVL added. 

“Evans has reacted by suspending dozens of party chairs and secretaries,” it said. “Their letters of suspension give no reasons for this action and requests for reasons have been met by silence.

“JVL is taking up the cases of two of the many officers suspended, one Jewish, one non-Jewish, to demand their immediate reinstatement and the withdrawal of the intimidating instructions which were issued in contradiction to party rules.”

The two officers have been named as Marion Roberts and Louise Regan.

JVL has set up a £15,000 crowdfunding appeal to finance its legal action.

The group said: “The response to this appeal has been fantastic and we have very nearly reached our target of £15,000 in two days. This shows the strength of feeling for this action.”