Keysar Trad, president of the Islamic Friendship Association and former spokesman for controversial Muslim cleric Sheik Taj Aldin Alhilali, has won his defamation case against 2GB licensee Harbour Radio for comments made by Jason Morrison during the Cronulla riots last December.

Morrison, who was filling in for regular talkback host Ray Hadley, accused Trad of inciting hatred and violence against the station.

A NSW Supreme Court jury today found Morrison’s comments contained eight defamatory items. The jury found Keyser Trad was portrayed by Morrison as a person who incited others to have racist attitudes and as someone who incited others to commit acts of violence.

Morrison called Trad a “disgraceful” and “dangerous” individual who incited violence, hatred and racism during 24 minutes of comments about the riots.

Lawyers for Trad told the court that Morrison’s comments would be interpreted by ordinary Australians to mean that Trad was a terrorist or a nazi.

Outside the court after the verdict, Trad said the finding should force 2GB to rethink its news values. Jason Morrison did not comment, but 2GB said it supported Morrison.

The case will continue on a date to be fixed to hear defences from Harbour Radio, and to assess financial damages.

Mr Morrison, the station’s acting news director and head of current affairs, declined to comment.