Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, who is facing several probes for alleged hate speeches, will address a Press conference in Mumbai via Skype from Saudi Arabia on Thursday. The Press conference will be held at the World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade, in Mumbai at 11.30 am. Naik’s move comes after he developed cold feet in the face of mounting heat on him and cancelled his return to India from Saudi Arabia.
Naik was scheduled to reach Mumbai from Saudi Arabia on Monday and hold a Press conference. But he cancelled his return. Facing flak from different quarters, Naik had on Sunday said that he has been misquoted by the media, claiming most of the clips shown on the television and statements attributed to him are either out of context or doctored.
In a statement, Naik had earlier expressed shock at the “media trial” against him following the recent terrorist attack in Dhaka. “The media is the most important weapon in the world. It can convert a hero into villain or even a villain into a hero. I’m shocked at the media trial against me regarding the recent terrorist attack that took place in Dhaka. Most of the clips shown on the television of myself are either out of context, half statements or doctored. So are my statements in the print media,” he had said.