Libel claims are often associated with top-level political figures or celebrities, like the now infamous fanfare of the Plebgate saga. There is, however, a significant trend in ‘religious libel’ cases in the UK, involving claims brought or defended by adherents of British minority faiths.
These actions can in simple terms be classified into three types. First, cases where there are general allegations of wrongdoing, and parties affiliated with a faith identity. Second, the post 9/11 cases, where individuals, organisations or charities are accused of sympathising, supporting or funding Islamic extremism or being ‘extremist’ themselves. The final category involves doctrinal disputes, where claims involve criticism of groups referred to as ‘sects’ or ‘cults’.
