Asia-Pacific News
Australian court brands Muslim leader a racist
Jul 31, 2009, 6:04 GMT
Sydney - Australia's best-known Muslim leader 'holds views which can properly be described as racist,' a Supreme Court judge said Friday when deciding against him in a defamation action he brought against a Sydney radio station.
Keysar Trad, head of the Islamic Friendship Association of Australia, is the spokesman for Sheik Taj Din al-Hilali, the mufti of Sydney's biggest mosque.
He sought damages from 2GB radio station for its description of him as a dangerous individual who incited violence, hatred, and racism.
Justice Peter McClelland echoed that view, saying the Lebanese-born father of 11 was a dangerous person and had had encouraged hostility between Muslims and non-Muslims.
'Many of his remarks are distasteful and appear to condone violence,' McClelland said. 'I'm also satisfied that he encourages others to hold those views. In particular, he holds views derogatory of Jewish people.'
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