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Man wins damages over terror plot allegations
Last updated at 13:07pm on 28.11.06
Amjad Sarwar
A man who was falsely named as a suspect in an alleged terrorist plot to blow up a number of transatlantic aircraft this summer has accepted substantial undisclosed damages.
Amjad Sarwar, who lives with his wife and children in High Wycombe, Bucks, had brought libel proceedings over articles that suggested that he had been arrested in connection with the alleged plot involving "liquid bombs".
He was caused great distress and embarrassment at a time of particularly heightened sensitivity in relations with the Muslim community, his solicitor, Adam Tudor, told Mr Justice Eady at London's High Court.
He said that the publication of the articles, in August, led Mr Sarwar to fear for his own and his family's safety in light of possible reprisal attacks.
Mr Tudor said that the allegations were "wholly untrue".
As the newspapers now acknowledges, he said, Mr Sarwar had never been arrested, nor questioned, nor detained by the police on suspicion of involvement in the "liquid bombs" plot or any other alleged terrorist plot or activities, and there were no grounds for suspecting any such involvement.
The publishers of The Guardian and The Observer, the News of the World, The Daily Mirror, The Mail, The Mail on Sunday, The Evening Standard and The Independent, had already published apologies and had agreed to pay Mr Sarwar substantial damages and his legal costs.
Leah Alpren, solicitor for the newspapers, apologised unreservedly for the distress and embarrassment caused by the publication of the false allegations.
Reader views (1)
While it is regretable that he was wrongly accused, I fail to see why he or anyone should receive substantial damages? Can the loss he suffered by quantified? If not then he hasn't suffered a monetary loss and therefore should not be entitles to any gain. Any money paid should be given to charity.
- Brian, Bromley, UK
