Adviser accepts damages over newspaper's al-Qa'ida claims
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A government adviser on combating extremism among young Muslims today accepted substantial undisclosed damages over a newspaper claim that he supported al-Qa'ida.
Systems engineer Inayat Bunglawala, who lives in Luton, is a spokesman at the Muslim Council of Britain and, in 2005, was appointed one of seven conveners for a Home office taskforce.
He brought libel proceedings over a March 2009 Mail on Sunday article which alleged there were strong grounds to suspect him of unlawfully stabbing a man at his home in December 2008, and that he was an extremist who supported Abu Qatada and al-Qa'ida.
His solicitor, Stevie Loughrey, told Mr Justice Eady at London's High Court that Mr Bunglawala did not commit any criminal act in relation to the December 2008 incident.
As Associated Newspapers now accepted, he was forced to act in self-defence to protect himself and his family against an intruder, who it later turned out was so drunk he had no recollection of the incident.
Just 24 hours after publication, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed it would be taking no action against Mr Bunglawala.
Mr Loughrey said that his client did not support or condone the views or objectives of Abu Qatada or al-Qa'ida and had gone on the record many times to criticise and condemn al-Qa'ida.
He added that the newspaper had accepted the allegations were false, apologised and agreed to pay substantial damages and Mr Bunglawala's costs.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments