UK High Court Rejects Mohammed Hijab Defamation Claim Against Douglas Murray

A UK High Court judge has dismissed the libel claim brought by Islamic activist and YouTuber Mohammed Hegab, known as Mohammed Hijab, against commentator Douglas Murray and The Spectator. The case centered on a 2022 article accusing Hegab of exacerbating racial tensions during violent clashes between Hindu and Muslim communities in Leicester, where he delivered a speech mocking Hindus and their belief in reincarnation. The judge ruled that Murray's article was "substantially true," finding that Hegab lied on significant issues and gave evidence that was "overall, worthless." Hegab's claim that the comments targeted only Hindutva nationalists, not all Hindus, was rejected, as the judge noted that Hindutva followers are overwhelmingly Hindu. Additionally, Hegab's assertions of financial losses from lost brand ambassador and advertising contracts were undermined by evidence deemed contrived and suspiciously timed. The ruling also highlighted Hegab's combative courtroom demeanor and rejected his denials of inflammatory rhetoric at other events, including confrontations with Jewish groups.