Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Suliman Gani: Imam accused of supporting Isis to receive compensation from Defence Secretary Michael Fallon

David Cameron has also issued an apology

Shaun Connolly,Richard Wheeler
Thursday 23 June 2016 15:21 BST
Comments
Suliman Gani has strongly denied having links to Isis
Suliman Gani has strongly denied having links to Isis (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon is to pay undisclosed compensation to imam Suliman Gani for falsely claiming he supported Isis.

The Cabinet Minister announced the move on his website as he apologised to the Muslim leader and agreed to pay his legal costs.

Prime Minister David Cameron has also apologised for saying in the House of Commons that Mr Gani supported IS during an attack on then London mayoral candidate Sadiq Khan for sharing a platform with the imam.

Mr Fallon's letter to Mr Gani states: "On 7 May 2016 I was interviewed on BBC Radio 4's Today programme. During that interview I described you as a supporter of Daesh/Islamic State - something that is entirely untrue.

Michael Fallon, Secretary of State for Defence
Michael Fallon, Secretary of State for Defence (EPA)

"When I did this I knew that it had been said on a BBC television programme some weeks earlier but I was unaware that the BBC had corrected that statement and had apologised to you. Had I known of that correction and apology I would not have repeated the statement.

"I was made aware of the BBC's correction and apology a few hours after the broadcast and immediately issued a statement in an effort to put the record straight. I issued a further statement to the same effect on 11 May 2016, which included my apology to you for repeating the untrue statement.

"I accept that you are entirely opposed to Daesh/Islamic State, that you regard it as incompatible with your religious and moral beliefs, and that you have spoken out publicly against it.

"I repeat my apology for the error that I made and for the distress that it caused to you and your family.

"In recognition of that distress I have agreed to make a payment of compensation and to meet your reasonable legal costs."

Press Association

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in