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GB News has agreed to pay £30,000 to Islamic Relief Worldwide after broadcasting false accusations that the charity had funded terrorist groups in the Middle East. The settlement follows a defamation case heard in the High Court yesterday.
The allegations originated during a February episode of The Camilla Tominey Show, where political analyst Amjad Taha claimed without evidence that Islamic Relief had been banned in multiple countries after investigations revealed they had channeled money to terrorist organizations. These claims went unchallenged during the broadcast and were subsequently picked up and republished by MailOnline.
In court, lawyers for Islamic Relief stated that the broadcast falsely portrayed the charity as “not only having funded terrorist groups in the Middle East, and as such deserves to be banned in the UK, but it is also part of a greater agenda promoting extremism and radicalisation.”
“Such an allegation is wholly and categorically false,” the statement continued. “Islamic Relief has not engaged in, or in any way facilitated, the sending of money to any terrorist group or entity. Nor is it part of or involved in the promotion of any agenda aside of its humanitarian mission.”
GB News publicly apologized in September, acknowledging the falsehood of the allegations. “We accept the allegation that Islamic Relief has funded terrorist groups is untrue,” the broadcaster said in their statement. “Islamic Relief has stated it does not promote or support extremism of any kind and that it is a purely humanitarian organisation. We apologise to Islamic Relief and are happy to correct the record.”
MailOnline had already issued its own apology to the charity in April after republishing the same false claims.
The High Court heard that GB News made an offer of “substantial damages and costs,” now confirmed to be £30,000, which Islamic Relief accepted as part of the settlement.
This case highlights the increasing challenges faced by humanitarian organizations operating in conflict zones, where unsubstantiated allegations can potentially endanger aid workers and disrupt critical relief efforts. Islamic Relief Worldwide is one of the largest independent humanitarian organizations in the world, working in over 40 countries to provide emergency relief and developmental assistance to communities in need.
A spokesperson for Islamic Relief Worldwide expressed relief at the conclusion of the legal proceedings: “We are pleased that this legal case has come to a satisfactory conclusion with a broadcasted apology and now this statement in open court.”
The spokesperson noted a concerning pattern of false allegations against the organization, saying, “Over the past year, there has been an uptick in the promotion of unfounded and false allegations against our organisation. Earlier this year the Daily Mail apologised for publishing similar allegations, and now GB News has had to follow suit.”
The charity emphasized the real-world dangers such misinformation poses: “Our mission is to deliver humanitarian aid in some of the most volatile regions on earth. In carrying out this work, our own colleagues have been killed in terror attacks. Given this reality, the continued promotion of these false allegations is particularly offensive and is at risk of threatening the lives of our humanitarian workers and the communities we serve.”
Islamic Relief highlighted its commitment to accountability, noting it is “a rigorously and independently audited organisation” with “no evidence whatsoever to support the claims made on these platforms.”
The case serves as a reminder of the legal and ethical responsibilities media outlets bear when making serious allegations against charitable organizations. GB News has not provided additional comment beyond their formal apology.
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8 Comments
It’s concerning to see false claims about terrorist funding being aired so carelessly. I’m glad Islamic Relief was able to defend its reputation and receive compensation. Media outlets must be held responsible for verifying information before making such serious accusations.
It’s good to see Islamic Relief successfully defend against these false claims. Responsible media outlets should verify accusations before broadcasting them, especially those that could harm an organization’s standing. This settlement sends a clear message.
This is an important win for Islamic Relief and the principles of honest, ethical journalism. Media outlets have a responsibility to verify claims, especially those that could damage an organization’s reputation and ability to operate. I’m glad to see GB News held accountable.
This case underscores the need for rigorous fact-checking in journalism. While media outlets should investigate potential wrongdoing, they must be careful not to spread unsubstantiated claims that defame innocent parties. I’m glad Islamic Relief received justice here.
Defamation cases like this highlight the need for greater rigor in journalism, particularly when reporting on sensitive topics. I’m glad Islamic Relief was able to defend its reputation and receive compensation. Unsubstantiated claims should not be aired unchallenged, no matter the source.
It’s crucial that media outlets exercise due diligence and fact-check claims before broadcasting them, especially those that could harm the reputation of organizations like Islamic Relief. This settlement is a victory for truth and accountability in reporting.
This is an important settlement that helps protect the reputation of Islamic Relief Worldwide. Allegations of terrorist funding need to be backed by solid evidence, not aired unchallenged on TV. GB News was right to acknowledge their mistake and provide compensation.
Charity organizations like Islamic Relief play a vital role in humanitarian aid. Unfounded allegations of terrorist ties can severely damage their ability to operate and help those in need. This settlement is an important win for truth and accountability in reporting.