All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has condemned the 'media trial' of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik.
The party said that it respects and follows the rule of the land and feels nobody could be pronounced guilty unless a court delivers its judgement.
“By hounding Naik, the media, particularly some national TV channels, have already pronounced their him guilty even as a formal case is yet to be lodged against him. The media cannot pronounce anybody as supporter of terrorism on hearsay,’’ said state MIM chief Shaukat Ali.
"The charges of fanning and promoting terrorism against Naik is a pretext to bully Muslims of the country. If his speeches are inspiring ultras and Naik is a supporter of terrorism, then why was action not taken against him for the last 25 years,’’ he asked.
Terming Naik a 'well-known specialist' who delivers lectures on comparative studies of different religions, Ali said, “He is followed by Muslims but there are others in the community who do not concur with his views.”
“Ever since BJP came to power at the Centre, the probe agencies charge someone with wrongdoing and the media pronounces him guilty even before a court gives its judgment. This is a threat to the social fabric and democratic set up of the country and could affect communal harmony,” said Ali.