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In Victory Over Misinformation & Bigotry, Major Muslim Charity Wins Defamation Settlement
Islamic Relief Canada, one of Canada’s largest faith-based charities, has just won a settlement in its defamation lawsuit against former military officer Thomas Quiggin and six other defendants for disseminating “false, malicious and defamatory” statements suggesting the nonprofit was a “front” to fund terrorist groups abroad.
“The defendants were responsible for the publication and dissemination of a report entitled ‘The Government of Canada Is Funding Terrorism with Taxpayers’ Money,’ which was shared on a variety of websites and social media platforms and sent to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to call for an investigation,” Islamic Relief Canada described in a statement.
“This case illustrates the kind of misinformation that legitimate aid organizations too often face in carrying out their vital humanitarian missions,” said Islamic Relief Canada CEO Usama Khan.
“By holding those who spread misinformation accountable for their actions, we can send a clear message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.”
As a result of the nonprofit’s lawsuit, the defendants have admitted their islamophobic statements were “unfounded.” “We did not exercise sufficient due diligence in researching, drafting and/or publishing the defamatory statements,” they wrote in a signed statement.
“By holding those who spread misinformation accountable for their actions, we can send a clear message that this type of behavior will not be tolerated,” said Nader Hasan, an attorney who represents the nonprofit and who described the settlement as “a milestone.”
STAND League exists to expose antireligious bigotry and misinformation like that of Quiggin and his codefendants. Such malicious falsehoods feed off of prejudice and can victimize members of any faith. Too rarely, its disseminators are held accountable, which is why STAND applauds Islamic Relief Canada for its courage and persistence in exposing islamophobia and setting the record straight.
CBC: Canadian Muslim charity wins “milestone” settlement after being falsely accused of funding terrorism
