Key takeaways from Zakir Naik's press conference

Controversial Islamic televangelist Zakir Naik on July 15 held a press conference over Skype and attempted to defend himself against allegations that he promotes terrorism. He also denied having any links with terrorists and claimed he was being targeted for running an Islamic channel, Peace TV, which has been banned by the Indian government.

The press conference was held in Mumbai, though Naik is in Medina, the Islamic holy city of Saudi Arabia. Naik, whose name cropped up following a terror attack in Dhaka in which a few perpetrators were believed to have been inspired by him, said: "The Indian media has started trial on the basis of one Dhaka report, which is wrong."

The preacher dismissed his link with the terrorists as "misinformation". He also denied advocating the suicide bombings, saying he always condemned such acts considering innocent people are killed and this is anti-Islamic.

However, the Islamic televangelist's replies were interspersed with "ifs" and "buts" which raise questions over his preaching.

I am a messenger of peace. I condemn #NiceAttack if there is any terror link:Zakir Naik addresses the media via skype from Medina

— IndiaTodayFLASH (@IndiaTodayFLASH) July 15, 2016

Suicide bombing where innocents r killed is haraam.But as tactic of war it is permitted say mny scholars: Zakir Naik pic.twitter.com/Rw2hewnUfY

— ANI (@ANI_news) July 15, 2016

Naik, who has delayed his return to India, started his press briefing by condemning the terror attack in French city of Nice, which claimed more than 80 people celebrating the Bastille Day, on July 15. He condemned all terror attacks and said he would speak for hours if need be to clear his stand. He also said he can address all allegations made against him on TV and got distributed pen drives to Mumbai reporters for further clarifications.

These are the main highlights of Naik's statements:

"Suicide bombing where innocents are killed is "haraam". But as a tactic of war, it is permitted, say many scholars."

"Media for ulterior motive change meaning. My answers are altered which misguide people. Those who do that should be held responsible."

"I challenge you to show me any unedited answer of mine where I have not condemned suicide bombing of the kind that is happening."

"Why are you relying on a doctored clip, or an answer which is out of context? I challenge you to show my any unedited clip."

"Chapter 5, Verse 32 of Quran says killing innocents is crime. No scripture other than Quran says one innocent killed is killing humanity."

"No official government authority has approached us with any question. So far I have had no problem with the Indian government or the police."

"Knowingly I have never met any terrorist, but if some people stand next to me and take photographs, I smile. I don't know who they are."

"I am a messenger of peace. I do not criticise any sect of Islam, I may disagree on interpretations," Naik said on fatwas against him.

(With inputs from agencies)