|
THE SPECTATOR AND STEPHEN POLLARD APOLOGISE TO ISLAM EXPO AND PAY DAMAGES
On 15 July
2008, the Spectator website published an article by Stephen Pollard
(editor of the Jewish Chronicle) entitled “Demos and Genocide”. That
article unfairly and falsely referred to Islam Expo as a racist, fascist
and genocidal organisation. As is well-known, we at Islam Expo host
exhibitions which explore a wide range of issues relating to Islam and
Muslims and which seek not only to educate visitors about the positive and
progressive aspects of this religion, but also to provide a neutral and
all-inclusive platform in which people of all races, religions and
viewpoints can gather to discuss topics relating to Islam without fear of
reprisal or restriction. The Directors and organisers of Islam Expo had
worked, and continue to work, hard to establish a good reputation for
providing a venue where people can attend our events and debate openly,
building an understanding and mutual tolerance. These events are also
attended by a wide range of leading academics, politicians and
journalists.
Islam Expo
was therefore justifiably outraged and dismayed to learn that we had been
referred to in this way. As neither Mr Pollard nor the Spectator agreed to
our initial request for an apology, we had no option but to seek
vindication via litigation.
We are
pleased to report that the Spectator and Mr Pollard have now agreed to
publish an apology on the Spectator website in the following terms:
“Islam Expo :
Stephen
Pollard and the Spectator apologise for the unintended and false
suggestion in a blog published on 15 July 2008 that Islam Expo Limited is
a fascist party dedicated to genocide which organised a conference with a
racist and genocidal programme. We accept that Islam Expo’s purpose is to
provide a neutral and broad-based platform for debate on issues relating
to Muslims and Islam”.
This
appeared on front page of The Spectator today :
http://www.spectator.co.uk/essays/all/6232858/islam-expo-apology.thtml
In
addition, the Spectator and Mr Pollard have undertaken never to repeat the
allegations complained of and agreed to pay damages to compensate us for
the damage done to our reputation by the article. They have also agreed to
pay our legal costs.
Litigation
was not and is not our preferred option and we prefer to deal with
everyone on an open and amicable basis. However, when false and serious
allegations are published that seek to discredit and damage the reputation
of Islam Expo, and the publishers refuse to apologise, then we have no
option but to take legal action. We are delighted with the eventual
outcome in this matter.
We hope
that in future third parties intending to write about us will attend our
future events which remain, as ever, open and welcoming to all, and be
fair and objective in their comments.
We
instructed Farooq Bajwa and Co Solicitors and our barristers were Adrienne
Page QC and Richard Munden of 5RB
ISLAM EXPO
(On Behalf
of ISLAM EXPO DIRECTORS: Mohammad Sawalha, Ismail Patel and Anas Altikriti)
For more info and
Interviews, please call Ismail Patel: Mobile 07711823524
27/08/2010 |
