Veerender Jubbal captioned ‘one of the terrorists’ in Spanish newspaper after manipulated photo was widely shared

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

One of Spain’s biggest newspapers has apologised after it printed a picture of a Sikh man, claiming he was one one of the terrorists responsible for Friday night’s murderous attacks in Paris.

The Madrid-based La Razón included a picture of Canadian man Veerender Jubbal, with the caption “one of the terrorists”. However, the selfie had been doctored to add in what appeared to be a Qur’an and a suicide vest.

La Razón (@larazon_es) Lo primero, como cada día, nuestra portada https://t.co/RNwPb8iyI9 pic.twitter.com/WW6vQrQnOs

“One of the terrorists may have entered Greece along with Syrian refugees. The unidentified attackers were between 15 and 18 years and acted in three teams,” the text by the image of Jubbal read. The paper apologised on Sunday afternoon.

In the original, Jubbal appears holding an iPad. But, in the edited picture, the iPad has been turned into what appears to be a Qur’an and a suicide vest has been added.

When the edited image began to spread, Jubbal posted the original as evidence that he had had nothing to do with the attacks.

In a series of tweets, Jubbal wrote:

Veerender Jubbal (@Veeren_Jubbal) People are editing, and photoshopping my selfies as if I am one of the people causing the issues/problems in Paris.

Veerender Jubbal (@Veeren_Jubbal) So, like, it spread.

Veerender Jubbal (@Veeren_Jubbal) Has spread to the point, where many people have had to tweet about the photos being photoshopped.. Any support/nice messages are welcome.

Veerender Jubbal (@Veeren_Jubbal) You can all check the last retweets. Let us start with basics. Never been to Paris. Am a Sikh dude with a turban. Lives in Canada.

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It is unclear who edited the image and why, though some have suggested that Jubbal’s criticism of the Gamergate movement was the motivation for the smear.

Many of its adherents say Gamergate, which started in earnest as a reaction to claims made about the private lives of a female games developer and a male journalist, is a fight for more ethical coverage of video gaming. But many of its opponents say it is a misogynistic harassment campaign. The long-running debate has been marked by accusations of abuse from both sides.

Veerender Jubbal (@Veeren_Jubbal) Gamers are absolute garbage like I have been saying for a full year. People will not stop harassing, and bothering me. I am cute as gosh.