Comments on: Lessons on libel: South African blogger sued for defamation

By: E F Orwell

E F Orwell — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:35:09 +0000

The UK Libel Laws have taken another step into the abyss and could signal the end of Free Speech. A UK based media club, The Groucho Club which is owned by a billion pound corporation ‘Graphite Capital’ have launched a one of kind High Court action for a pre publishing test case for libel against Tyrone D Murphy, the author of an exposé book about the club. The book has not been completed yet and the case seems to be based on what could be written and not what has been written.

The writer is defending this action in person as the costs are astronomical and I am supporting this writer and his cause. All writers and journalists should also support him as he is in the forefront of the battle for free speech.

What do you make of this type of case where a legal action can be taken against a writer of a book that has not been written yet? This action is certainly a threat against all writers and journalists

http://www.g-book.co.uk is the book web site

By: Carole Parker

Carole Parker — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:47:03 +0000

Has anyone been on a volunterr internship for the International Justic Mission? I’m thinking of going to South Africa but I’m concerned for my safety.

By: Rich...!

Rich...! — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 09:58:25 +0000

Yeah, we also got a tone of support, and a fair amount of infamy from Jo’blog’s \GS is a Wanker\ post.

By: Heather Ford

Heather Ford — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:43:46 +0000

Thanks, Paul. FYI, I don’t think a settlement has been reached as yet. Am trying to find out.

By: Paul Jacobson

Paul Jacobson — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:27:46 +0000

Thanks for the link to my post, Heather. For a little while it looked like there was going to be a preliminary hearing about whether Donn was in contempt of court for continuing to post about the story and that could have been a great opportunity to establish a legal precedent on this issue. I don’t think it would have been necessary to go as far as trial.

From a lawyer’s perspective it was a pity that the case settled because it would have been a great opportunity to establish that precedent. On the other hand a settlement is probably a good result for Donn although we don’t know what the terms of the settlement were.

By: Writing for Global Voices « Hblog.org

Writing for Global Voices « Hblog.org — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:15:45 +0000

[...] edwards, freedom of expression | by novelheather I’ve started writing for Global Voices. My first post is about the Donn Edwards libel case. I really enjoyed reading the different perceptions by [...]

By: Heather Ford

Heather Ford — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 16:11:24 +0000

And even better if we can put that support to more permanent use with a longer-term campaign :) I’ve posted at http://hblog.org – let me know if you want to help out!

By: Chris M

Chris M — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:32:18 +0000

It’s amazing to see just how much support Donn got from all of us – fantastic :)