Mohammed Saeed El-Saeiti v The Islamic Centre (Manchester) & Ors

Mohammed Saeed El-Saeiti v The Islamic Centre (Manchester) & Ors

The First Statement, when viewed in the context of the broadcasts, was not defamatory of the Claimant as the ordinary viewer would conclude he gave truthful evidence. The Second Statement was opinion, its basis was indicated, and it was defamatory at common law as it implied the Claimant knowingly gave false evidence.

Parties
Claimant: Mohammed Saeed El-Saeiti; First Defendant: The Islamic Centre (Manchester); Third Defendant: Fawzi Mohammed Haffar
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
02 October 2025
Procedural Posture
Libel / Preliminary Issues Determination
Outcome
Claim with respect to the First Statement dismissed; claim with respect to the Second Statement allowed as defamatory at common law.
Legal Topics
Libel, Natural and Ordinary Meaning, Fact Vs Opinion, Defamatory Threshold, Media Publications
Defamation Media Law Libel Natural and Ordinary Meaning Fact Vs Opinion Defamatory Threshold Media Publications

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Parties

Mohammed Saeed El-Saeiti

Claimant

The Islamic Centre (Manchester)

First Defendant

Fawzi Mohammed Haffar

Third Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel / Preliminary Issues Determination

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the natural and ordinary meaning of the First and Second Statements?
  2. 2 Are the statements fact or opinion?
  3. 3 Is the basis of any opinion indicated?

Ratio Decidendi

The First Statement, when viewed in the context of the broadcasts, was not defamatory of the Claimant as the ordinary viewer would conclude he gave truthful evidence. The Second Statement was opinion, its basis was indicated, and it was defamatory at common law as it implied the Claimant knowingly gave false evidence.

Court Disposition

Claim with respect to the First Statement dismissed; claim with respect to the Second Statement allowed as defamatory at common law.

Orders

  • First Statement: Not defamatory, claim dismissed.
  • Second Statement: Defamatory, statement of opinion, basis indicated, claim allowed.