Lawyer Defends Right of Conspiracy Theorist to Claim Manchester Arena Attack is a Hoax
- Richard Hall faces a lawsuit from Martin Hibbert and his daughter, who sustained severe injuries during the Manchester Arena attack.
- The attack led to the tragic loss of 22 lives and has been a source of significant trauma for victims.
- The legal case raises questions about the boundaries of free speech and the implications of conspiracy theories.
**Court Case Highlights Clash Between Conspiracy Theorist and Manchester Bombing Survivors** In a civil trial at the High Court in London, Martin Hibbert and his daughter Eve, survivors of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, are suing conspiracy theorist Richard Hall for alleged harassment and breaches of data protection laws. The attack, carried out by Salman Abedi, resulted in 22 fatalities and left Hibbert paralyzed from the waist down, while Eve suffered a severe brain injury. The Hibberts contend that Hall's claims, which suggest the bombing was an "elaborate hoax" orchestrated by government agencies, are not only false but also damaging. Hall, who has published a book and videos promoting his theory, has faced criticism for his actions, including secretly filming the Hibberts outside their home. During the trial, it was revealed that Mr. Hibbert endured 22 shrapnel wounds, and Eve was initially presumed dead after being struck by a bolt from the bomb. The emotional toll of the attack was highlighted, with Mr. Hibbert recalling the traumatic moment he believed he was witnessing his daughter die. Hall's lawyer defended his client's right to express his beliefs, arguing that they were formed through extensive research. The barrister emphasized that Mr. Hibbert had chosen to engage with the media, and the filming incident occurred from a public space, with no footage published. The Hibberts are seeking damages and an injunction to prevent Hall from continuing to disseminate his claims about the bombing.