The paper says it 'incorrectly interpreted' poll data and misquoted an expert
The Daily Express has apologised for publishing a story claiming up to half of UK Muslims ‘could support ISIS’.
The story, which the paper quickly removed from its website, was based on an ‘incorrect’ reading of an opinion poll commissioned by another newspaper.
The Express story also misquoted Haras Rafiq, managing director of the anti-Islamist group Quilliam and a Left Foot Forward contributor.
Yesterday they published an article by him respecting his right of reply.
The Express said:
“Earlier this week Express.co.uk ran a story which incorrectly claimed up to half of British Muslims ‘could support ISIS’.
This article was based on a national poll commissioned by a rival newspaper, the results of which both publications interpreted incorrectly.
Within a few hours we realised our error and quickly removed the article, but it should never have been published and we apologise unreservedly for any upset caused.”
Speaking to MediaWatch, Haras Rafiq said:
“When I was told of the piece, I contacted the Express and they were very keen to rectify a mistake that was made. Hence they admitted and apologised for the error and gave me a right to reply.
But mistakes such as these can have consequences. Especially if the press don’t act quickly to correct what has happened.
They should be more careful about such claims.“
You can read the rest of the apology and Haras Rafiq’s article in response here.
Note: We have been unable to find a copy of the original story. If any readers can find one, please get in touch via Twitter or by emailing adam@leftfootforward.org
Adam Barnett is a staff writer at Left Foot Forward. Follow MediaWatch on Twitter
Read more:
Independent runs story about Muslim lobby group CAGE… written by its spokesman!
The path towards peace in South Asia- Haras Rafiq
Sign up for our weekly email by clicking here.
26 Responses to “Daily Express says sorry for false ‘half of Muslims support ISIS’ story”
gunnerbear
Media paid for by taxation – we’ve already got that – the BBC and it is as Lefty and Pro-Green as f**k. Time the BBC was a subscription only service.
gunnerbear
Maybe then British Muslims shouldn’t be supporting ISIS.
stevep
You haven`t got a “freedom” of choice, just what suits the wealthy and what doesn`t.
If you are happy with that, fine. Just don`t confuse toadying to the wealthy with “choice”.
stevep
If the BBC was “lefty” and pro-green I`d be ecstatic with joy, because it would go some way to redressing the media balance in the UK.
Unfortunately it isn`t and we`ll all have to make do with one of the very few broadcasters in the world that doesn`t parrot right wing political views and strives to remain unbiased and impartial.
The very fact the BBC exists upsets and infuriates right-wing sycophants. That`s fine by me!
Patrick Nelson
I think this is especially true when obviously distorted facts are used for the purpose of headline grabbing and sensationalism – especially when those distorted facts are obviously detrimental to the well being and safety of real innocent people.