Zakir Naik addresses media, says he is a 'messenger of peace'

Mumbai, July 15: Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik on Friday, addressed the media in Mumbai via video conference.

During his address, Naik said that he condemned the attack in Nice if there were any terror links to the incident. Responding to allegations made against him, he said: "I am a messenger of peace. My words were taken out of context. I only preach peace and never incite violence."

Dismissing reports that he advocated suicide bombings, Naik said: "Suicide bombings where innocent are killed is haraam. But it can be used as a tactic in wars to save the country."

Naik also said that he has responded to all the allegations made against him and his replies are on pen drives, which will be distributed to all media houses. He also said that the media outlets had altered his views and misguided people.

Defending the contents of his channel Peace TV, he said: "Peace TV is a legal religious satellite channel, show me one program that has negative content. I am being targetted for running an Islamic channel. "

Naik's name cropped up during the Dhaka terror attack investigations, where two suicide bombers said that they were inspired by his speeches.

Following this, his speeches on Peace TV came under the scanner of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry of India. Naik's channel also faced the axe in Bangladesh after officials decided to shut down its transmission following the attacks.

OneIndia News