Controversial Islamic preacher Dr. Zakir Naik has taken legal action against an Indian news portal and one of its journalists, seeking RM10 million in damages for publishing what he describes as a defamatory report suggesting he may be suffering from HIV.
In a formal letter of demand, Naik asserted that the report not only damaged his reputation but also painted a misleading picture that he had contracted the virus or had been involved in conduct leading to such an infection. The preacher claimed the false publication subjected him to public humiliation, ridicule, and mental distress, particularly among his global followers.
The issue traces back to a report circulated by the Indian media outlet, which Naik insists was fabricated and malicious in intent. He emphasized that the article had violated journalistic ethics and caused irreversible harm to his personal and professional image as a religious scholar.
Naik’s legal representatives demanded compensation for him for the damages caused by what he terms as an unsubstantiated and slanderous claim.
This legal move comes just a month after Naik publicly refuted similar claims that had been circulating on social media, describing them as baseless lies intended to malign his character. At that time, he dismissed the rumors as “rubbish” and “fake news,” clarifying that he was in good health and had not been diagnosed with any such illness.
The preacher also labelled the allegations as an orchestrated campaign of hate speech by individuals and groups seeking to discredit him.
Dr. Zakir Naik, who has long been a polarizing figure due to his religious speeches and ongoing legal controversies in India, has been residing in Malaysia for around 9 years. His latest legal demand underscores his continued effort to defend his reputation amid what he views as an ongoing smear campaign.
As of now, the Indian news portal has not publicly responded to the demand, while observers await to see whether the matter will proceed to court or be resolved through settlement discussions.
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