Why did the defamation suit between Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips and Zamihan Mat Zin settle?

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The defamation suit between Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips and Zamihan Mat Zin settled due to an agreement that included an apology, retraction of a post, and payment of damages.

Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips and Zamihan Mat Zin have resolved their defamation lawsuit through a consent judgment. As part of the settlement, Zamihan Mat Zin agreed to issue an unequivocal and unconditional public apology on his Facebook account within two days and immediately retract the defamatory post. The terms also include a court order prohibiting Zamihan Mat Zin from making further defamatory statements against Philips, either orally or in writing, and an undisclosed amount of damages will be paid.
Retraction and Public Apology Mandated

The settlement mandates that Zamihan Mat Zin retract the Facebook post deemed defamatory by Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips. Furthermore, Zamihan Mat Zin is required to publish a public apology on his Facebook account within two days of the consent judgment. This apology must be unequivocal and unconditional, addressing the content of the original post that included Philips' photograph and the description "International Terrorism Supporter."
Court Order Prohibits Future Defamation

A significant component of the settlement is a court order that restrains Zamihan Mat Zin from engaging in further defamatory actions against Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips. This order specifically prohibits Zamihan Mat Zin from making any defamatory statements, whether spoken or written, concerning Philips in the future. This legal safeguard aims to prevent recurrence of the alleged harm to Philips' reputation.
Damages and Refund of Deposit

In addition to the apology and retraction, Zamihan Mat Zin has agreed to pay an undisclosed sum as damages to Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips. This payment is part of the resolution for the harm Philips claimed to have suffered due to the Facebook post. Concurrently, the RM30,000 deposit that Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips had lodged with the court will be refunded as part of the settlement terms.
Original Claim and Zamihan's Defence

The lawsuit originated from a Facebook post by Zamihan Mat Zin, which Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips alleged portrayed him as a supporter of terrorism, a claim Philips vehemently denied, stating his advocacy for peace. Philips had initially sought RM1 million in compensation, a written public apology, and the removal of the post. Zamihan Mat Zin, in his defence, had stated that he did not accuse Philips of terrorism but questioned his invitation to speak in Malaysia, citing alleged entry bans in other countries. He had also expressed that if Philips interpreted his statements as an accusation, he apologised.

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Why did the defamation suit between Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips and Zamihan Mat Zin settle?

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