Opinion

Keysar Trad's disgrace

I remember the controversies as strangely disturbing, those generated by the Muslim Sheik Taj el-Din al-Hilaly and his devout defender, Keysar Trad. What, I'd ask in horror, have we got ourselves in for here! There was Sheik Hilaly's notorious speech in the Lakemba Mosque in October 2006 in which he likened women to uncovered meat; the sheik's speech in Lebanon two years earlier suggesting that the September 11 slaughter had been god's work and promoting martyrdom to children; his statements in Australia in

2007 that Muslims had more right to Australia than the Anglo Saxons who arrived in shackles, that western people, especially the English, were the biggest liars. Keysar Trad seemed always to be there defending the sheik, and perhaps adding fuel to the fire.

Well, Keysar Trad has just sued Radio 2GB for defamation for statements made by one of its presenters in December 2005 after Mr Trad attacked 2GB at a huge rally after the Cronulla riot. The presenter, Jason Morrison, described Mr Trad as a disgraceful and dangerous person.

Some time ago a jury found that 2GB had indeed defamed Mr Trad by creating the impression that, among other things, he incites people to commit acts of violence and to be racist and that he is a disgraceful and dangerous individual.

A defence against defamation is truth, and 2GB mounted that defence before Judge McClellan. It used Mr Trad's defence of statements by Sheik Hilaly and Mr Trad's own statements to argue that what it had had to say about Mr Trad was true.

In a judgement delivered last Friday, Keysar Trad lost the case and took a battering from the judge. A serious battering. And he's been ordered to pay 2GB's costs. Mr Trad plans to appeal. I suggest you read the judgement here.

One, it will help with your interpretation of those unpleasant Hilaly-Trad years this decade; two, it will help put another outbreak, if there is one, into context; three, if you think the law is an ass you might think again.

When you've read it, tell me if I'm right or wrong. And are you as relieved as I am that we've moved on? Have we moved on?

Posted By: Jeff Corbett on 6/08/2009 7:46:00 PM | Comments (42)

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Keyser Trad has and will always be a dangerous person, truth is a defence, the judgement was a long read but it only supports what this bloke has been up to for many years. He claims that Australia are racist against muslims, did he not think that his speaches are by far the main reason young impressionable muslims think what they think, maybe they think there are 2 Australia's here. Why is this bloke still able to conduct "racist" rallies, why is he able to conduct "racist" speaches, I am sure if we called him a "rag head" we would be in front of a court quick smart. Time to get this bloke under control before we have another Cronulla or maybe something worse. One of my favourite sayings is "Australia, love it or leave it", this is our country, this is not lebanon, iraq or iran. Bob

Posted by Bob.G, 7/08/2009 10:03:34 AM, on The Herald

I was so pleased to hear that Keyser Trad lost the case. It is a victory for free speach and a victory against this disgraceful man. Everything bad said by any Muslim leader is always "Taken out of Context". Why the media gives this man air time is beyond me, he stirs up racial hatred, he turns people against the muslim people, and he does try to intimidate and if something doesn't go his way or if he is criticized, the first thing he does is pull the race card. That race card used to work all the time, no one wants to be labled a racist, but it is getting to the point that every person not of Anglo apperance, is usiing it and people are over it, His racism against anglo people has bred racism against muslims. He only wants harmony on his terms. Well i say "Buddy, This is a western Country, If you hate the west like you keep preaching about, go back to the east and enjoy your life there."

Posted by Nafe, 7/08/2009 10:08:25 AM, on The Herald

Having watched this Keyser Trad over the years, sincerely looking into the lens of a TV camera and giving vent to anybody who questioned anything about the interpretations of Islam in Australia is the living embodiment of the adage ' A lie told often enough becomes the truth.' It would be interesting to learn if Mr Trads appearances on our media would have been as vitriolic prior to the days of Political Correctness.

Posted by MizJasper, 7/08/2009 11:05:32 AM, on The Herald

here we go again with the extremes being heralded as what represents reality. if you want a slanging match just go to the divorce court where it just takes two people who were totally commited to a future describing each other in terms not different to what is described above. The words are different but the meanings are the same and that is defile the values and esteem of the opponents existance. oh but these people being divorced describing each other as more than the devils follower in values , lifestyle and behaviour are in general good anglo saxon judea christian valued people. so in between looking for ways to demeen others and creating the worst weapon of personal self esteem destruction -just spare a thought on how "we" (of gods chosen of course) from values borne of europes kings and queens (yuuuk) behave towards each other -let alone creating further barriers to those of some difference in background. i listened on tv to a sermon in mecca that had subtitles - what did I read ? I read what i had been getting taught from sunday school through scripture class onwards. Same things -but said specifically to men and their behaviour to women and others. sosueme

Posted by tolerance, 7/08/2009 11:12:03 AM, on The Herald

Extremists inciting hatred need to be dealt with. Efficiently and enthusiastically, as Norman Schwarzkopf might say. Judge McClellan did what was possible (and right) within the framework of the legal process. Free speech is one thing; extremism is quite another.

Posted by Abundance, 7/08/2009 11:36:15 AM, on The Herald

Extreme religious beliefs prove again not to be compatible with a Western nation such as Australia.

Posted by Jaqui, 7/08/2009 11:57:37 AM, on The Herald

I have always been tolerant of all peoples religious beliefs, but when religion is used to preach preach hatred and promote violence it is time to act. If fanatics dont aspire to living in a free democratic society they should return to live among their own kind.

Posted by Chef Dude, 7/08/2009 12:05:25 PM, on The Herald

It made my day when I heard about this ruling. Watching him after the Cronulla riots dismissing out of hand the role that Lebanese youth played in creating the problem was in itself disgraceful. What pleases me the most is that it wasn't some tricky legal loophole that brought him undone but the TRUTH.

Posted by Nowonmai, 7/08/2009 12:49:01 PM, on The Herald

There is no such thing as "the Cronulla Riots" as it was the "Cronulla Uprising" against government inaction on ethnic crime and intimidation.

Posted by Jaqui, 7/08/2009 1:15:20 PM, on The Herald

Australians have a reputation for Laying back, and the "she'll be right" syndrome. Australians have proven in the past their bravery in defence of their country. We also tend to reach a point when our giving and seeing the best in people comes to a abrupt end. I believe this man reached the limits.

Posted by buell, 7/08/2009 1:28:02 PM, on The Herald

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