This is no surprise, since it is part of leftist dogma that Sharia is wonderful, and opposition to it “Islamophobic.”
NewsBusters is in error in this otherwise illuminating report when it says: “A possible flaw in the plan to cite Sharia law in their defense is the fact that it’s not a set of codified laws and can change based on an individual’s interpretation.” This is actually not the case. There is little variation in different forms of Sharia, as you can see from the fact that Sharia states, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, etc., have so many features in common. It’s a myth of Western Islamic apologists that Sharia is a multiply variable, undefinable thing.
“CNN Cites Taliban’s SHARIA LAW for Their Innocence in $1 Billion Defamation Suit,” by Nicholas Fondacaro, NewsBusters, August 5, 2024:
In their motion for summary judgment filed last week regarding the $1 billion defamation suit against them, CNN argued that their allegedly defamatory reporting accusing Plaintiff and Navy veteran Zachary Young of a crime was factually true because his efforts to get women and children out Afghanistan were illegal under Taliban law; or as it’s more infamously known: Sharia law. All as the U.S. approaches the three-year anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
CNN’s opening paragraphs noted that Young had worked “to have women smuggled out of Afghanistan,” and argued “discovery has indicated that those activities he orchestrated and funded, which involved moving women out of Afghanistan, almost certainly were illegal under Taliban rule” (bold added to highlight).
The lead counsel for CNN’s defense, Deanna K. Shullman, wrote the motion and seemed enthusiastic about their line of argument. “Young cannot point to a single shred of evidence indicating otherwise that could somehow create a dispute of material fact as to that issue,” she wrote.
Throughout the document, CNN made it clear they intended to defend themselves with the laws they admit were oppressive of women. They repeatedly noted that Sharia law – as implemented by the Taliban – made it illegal for women to leave the country, which Young was helping them to do:
All of the journalism at issue in this case arose out of the events of August 2021, when the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan, leading the Taliban to take control of the country and ban women from leaving. Because thousands of women faced possible execution or enslavement at the hands of the new government (…)
somehistory says
From the report I read, this tactic is not succeeding with the Court.
End PC says
Robert needs to go after the awful falsehoods given in AI answers to questions about Islam that are probably misleading many. For Eg. type question into Braves AI engine ” Is Sharia final?” and you get
“Sharia, as a body of religious law, is not considered a fixed or final system. Instead, it is a dynamic and evolving concept that has undergone interpretations and adaptations throughout Islamic history.
Multiple Interpretations and Schools , bla bla bla.
SKA says
What a completely stupid line of reasoning! For that matter the “occupation” of Afghanistan by “infidel troops” was also “illegal!” What will they do next? Argue for his extradition to the Taliban to face a Shariah trial there?
Taffy says
Wait until the case is over to see exactly how much money is awarded. Defamation suits are notorious for claiming hundreds of millions of dollars yet only yielding much much much much less. CNN will lose this lawsuit on liability, but The final damage award will not be in the stratosphere.
࿗Infidel࿘ says
The only way shariah is “undefinable” is if it’s not been determined whether the rules fall under the Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki or Hanbali schools of sunni jurisprudence. Or Jafari or Khomenei schools in case of shi’a
abu taleb says
So, helping women escape from the hell of Taliban’s government is actually a crime according to CNN. CNN is indeed Taliban supporter.
Beneath the Veil of Consciousness says
The truth is also a crime according to CNN.
Why, other than for the enrichment of the military industrial complex, do we waste on precious blood and treasure on these hopelessly deluded Sharia prisons posing as legitimate nations.
Beneath the Veil of Consciousness says
• waste our…