Judge labels Trad 'racist'

31 Jul 2009, 2:07 pm   -   Source: AAP
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Keysar Trad said he had been defamed by the broadcaster which implied he was a disgraceful and dangerous person (AAP).

Keysar Trad said he had been defamed by the broadcaster which implied he was a disgraceful and dangerous person (AAP).

A court has ruled that Keysar Trad was not defamed by a Sydney radio station because he made 'racist' and 'offensive' remarks. 

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Islamic spokesman Keysar Trad's defamation case against a Sydney radio station has collapsed, with a judge saying Trad made remarks that were "offensive", "racist" and "condoned violence".

Friday's judgment comes in opposition to a jury's decision in 2007 which found Mr Trad was defamed by broadcaster Jason Morrison, who implied that he was a disgraceful, dangerous individual who incited people to commit violent acts.

The case stems from comments made by Mr Morrison about Mr Trad on talkback radio in December 2005, shortly after the Cronulla riot.

The legal team for Harbour Radio (owners of 2GB) argued that the information claimed to be defamatory, was in fact true.

After hearing evidence about Mr Trad's reputation and the effect of the broadcast, Justice Peter McClellan ruled on Friday that Mr Trad's claim should be dismissed.

"There is little doubt that many of the plaintiff's remarks are offensive to Jewish persons and homosexuals," Justice McClellan said in his judgment.

Both Mr Trad and Mr Morrison were absent from Sydney's Supreme Court when the judgement was delivered. 

Court finds Trad holds 'racist' views

"Many of his remarks are distasteful and appear to condone violence," the judgment continued.

"I'm satisfied that the plaintiff does hold views which can properly be described as racist."

"I'm also satisfied that he encourages others to hold those views. In particular he holds views derogatory of Jewish people.

"The views which he holds would not be acceptable to most right-thinking Australians," Justice McClelland's judgment said.

Outside court, a representative for Mr Trad said he planned to appeal against Friday's decision.

Parties are due to meet again next Thursday to discuss costs in the matter.

 

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Samuel K - from Sydney, 3 years ago

I dont think he is racist, otherwise that would be very hypocritical, as he is living in Australia.
I think he is just an anti-zionist.
Islam calls Jews and Christians people of the book, it is Palestine issues that make Muslims (not Islam) hate Jewish people.
I don't like all the religions views on Homosexuality. God made gays!

Dr.

Vicki Sanderson - from Sydney, 3 years ago

As a barrister, McClellan was always impressive for his common sense and sharp appraisal of the truth.
How fortunate we are to have a Chief Justice willing to stare down the pressures of some elements of the multicultural community to defend the right of considered public comment on issues that concern in our community.

"Justice" condones racist violence

Josh - from Sydney, 3 years ago

"Justice" McLellan is one of the most right-wing and extremely conservative judges.
I'm sure he finds anyone who opposes war and racism "offensive".
What is it exactly that Keysar Trad is meant to have said??
This is why trial by jury is a right worth defending...
Meanwhile, when will our "justice" system ever seriously go after those who actually incited racist violence in Cronulla like Alan Jones??

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