The academic who first accused Jason Arday of plagiarism has been suspended by a Belgian university amid a "discrimination" investigation.
Nathan Cofnas - a postdoctoral researcher at Ghent University's department of philosophy and moral sciences - was at the heart of the row which saw the Cambridge academic resign from his post amid intense public scrutiny.
The 41-year-old was found dead at an address in Battersea, south London, last week.
Mr Cofnas confirmed his suspension from the Belgian institution in a social media post on Thursday.
"I am under investigation by my university for discriminating against Arday," he wrote.
The academic later added: "'I was just suspended by Ghent University. They will almost certainly fire me.
"The decision was made by rector Petra De Sutter, a former leader of the Green Party."
Ghent University confirmed it had suspended Mr Confas, adding that the death of the former Cambridge professor "should prompt reflection".
In a joint statement by Ms De Sutter, Ghent University rector, and vice-rector Herwig Reynaert released on Wednesday, the Belgian institution insisted it "stands for respect for human dignity and opposes discrimination, hatred and racism".
It read: "We attach great importance to academic freedom and to open academic debate, even when views are controversial. However, that freedom is not unlimited.
"It goes hand in hand with responsibility and may be restricted in order to protect the rights of others."
"For this reason, the university takes the recent public statements made by a postdoctoral researcher at Ghent University regarding this matter very seriously."
JASON ARDAY - READ MORE:
- Jason Arday fundraiser launched by Windrush campaigner reaches £200,000
- Andy Burnham calls for 'moment of reflection' as he issues statement on Jason Arday's death
- University of Cambridge launches investigation into Jason Arday appointment amid 'plagiarism' row
The university added that it had taken "appropriate action within its powers and the applicable framework".
In an updated statement, a spokesman for Ghent University said on Thursday: "Ghent University formally notified the staff member concerned of the launch of a preliminary disciplinary investigation.
"As part of this process, the university is assessing whether there are sufficient grounds to refer the case to the competent disciplinary body for further consideration.
"Pending this preliminary investigation, Ghent University has suspended the staff member as a precautionary measure.
"The university cannot comment further on the specific details of the disciplinary case or the underlying arguments, in order to safeguard the confidentiality of the personnel file and the disciplinary proceedings."
Following Mr Arday's death, Green Party leader Zack Polanksi called for an inquiry into the "culture and behaviour" of the media, calling for state regulation to "sort out" the press.
The London Assembly member attended a vigil for the academic in Trafalgar Square on Tuesday.
He posted a video showing attendees holding placards and flowers in tribute to the 41-year-old, alongside the caption: "Rest in Power, Professor Jason Arday."
Anyone who is in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide can call the Samaritans anonymously for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
