2024 07 22T111245Z 1404621792 RC2A09A8MIJ9 RTRMADP 3 BRITAIN COURT MANCHESTER scaled
Two survivors of the deadly suicide bombing in Britain are taking legal action against a conspiracy theorist who falsely claims that the attack was staged. Martin Hibbert, who was paralyzed from the waist down, and his daughter Eve, who suffered a catastrophic brain injury in the 2017 Ariana Grande concert bombing in Manchester, are suing Richard D. Hall for alleged harassment, misuse of private information, and breaches of data protection laws. Hall, a self-proclaimed journalist, baselessly asserts that the bombing was orchestrated by British government agencies.
The lawsuit draws parallels to similar cases in the United States, where relatives of victims of mass shootings have sued conspiracy theorists like Alex Jones. In this instance, 22 people were killed and many more were injured when 22-year-old Salman Abedi detonated a homemade bomb at the Manchester Arena in May 2017. Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, Hall continues to propagate his unfounded theory that the attack was a hoax.
The Hibberts’ lawyer, Jonathan Price, argues that Hall’s actions have caused harm to the family and they are seeking damages and an injunction to prevent him from spreading false information about the attack. Hall, on the other hand, is contesting the lawsuit, claiming that any injunction would infringe on his right to free speech.
While Hall’s views may be considered distasteful and harmful, his legal team maintains that they are protected under free speech laws. The trial, where Martin Hibbert is expected to testify, is set to conclude this week. This case serves as a reminder of the impact of false information and conspiracy theories on the lives of survivors and victims’ families.
/Digital Sauce
- Two survivors of the Manchester concert bombing are suing conspiracy theorist Richard D. Hall
- They are suing him for alleged harassment, misuse of private information, and breaches of data protection laws
- Hall claims without evidence that the attack was orchestrated by British government agencies
- The survivors’ lawyer argues that Hall’s claims are false and they are entitled to damages
- Hall is fighting the lawsuit, arguing that it would interfere with his right to free speech
- The trial is expected to conclude this week
