Johanna Kaschke vs Labour bloggers: libel latest

160 Responses to “Johanna Kaschke vs Labour bloggers: libel latest”

1. PippaG

   on October 14th, 2009 at 13:31

   Good luck!

   The use of libel laws in this country are appalling. The Simon Singh case is another example (Justice Eady again)- although he’s just been given leave to appeal.

2. Will Rhodes

   on October 14th, 2009 at 15:39

   The very, very best of luck, Dave. Let’s hope there is some common sense in court and the judge wangs this out within minutes.

3. Stuart White

   on October 14th, 2009 at 17:46

   The very best of luck.

4. Will

   on October 15th, 2009 at 00:38

   A science writer who is being sued for libel by the British Chiropractic Association is to fight on after a preliminary judgment against him was overturned on appeal today.

   Simon Singh was sued by the BCA after he wrote an article in the Guardian criticising the association for supporting members who claim that chiropractic treatments – which involve manipulation of the spine – can treat children’s colic, sleeping and feeding problems, frequent ear infections, asthma and prolonged crying.

   Singh described the treatments, for which he said there is not a lot of evidence, as “bogus” and criticised the BCA for “happily promoting” them.

   In May, Mr Justice Eady in the high court ruled on the meaning of the words, saying they implied the association was being deliberately dishonest. Singh said that interpretation would make it difficult for him to defend himself at a full trial.

   Singh was initially refused leave to appeal, but Eady’s interpretation was rejected by Lord Justice Laws, who said Eady had risked swinging the balance of rights too far in favour of the right to reputation and against the right to free expression. Laws described Eady’s judgment as “legally erroneous”.

   Many scientists and science writers have rallied to Singh’s support, claiming that the freedom of scientific opinion is at stake.

   Speaking after the judgment, Singh said this was the “best possible result”.

   “Simon Singh’s battle in this libel case is not only a glaring example of how the law and its interpretation are stifling free expression, it shows how urgent the case for reform has become,” said Jo Glanville, editor of Index on Censorship.

5. Kevin Barry

   on October 15th, 2009 at 18:06

   Best of luck, Dave.(And I am a lefty!)

   Strange days indeed when a gagging order can be placed on the reporting of parliamentary business.

   I have seen Ms K’s ‘presentation’…………

   I shall be there on 23rd November.

6. RichieP

   on October 15th, 2009 at 20:45

   For this, we are all on the same side and, as an ex-Labour voter who never voted for sociopath Blair’s version of Labour (and who is *not a Tory troll, honest), all the best and good luck. If they win this we are *all screwed, good and proper. Strength and honour!

7. Francis Wheen

   on October 16th, 2009 at 15:07

   Best wishes. The whole thing is barmy and surreal – but then that’s the feeling I always get when attending Court 13. If all else fails, pin your hopes on the begowned comrades at the Court of Appeal: they seem to be doing rather a good job of fighting Eadyism and neo-Eadyism at the moment. As they say in the robing room: Venceremos!

8. tim f

   on October 18th, 2009 at 02:08

   Hope common sense prevails.

   I’m resisting the temptation to say what I want to say.

9. Richard Kuper

   on October 18th, 2009 at 14:19

   I posted a message of support a few days ago but it doesn’t seem to have made it through the ethersphere. Just to repeat: good luck and I will buy your entire supply of the Big Issue if it comes to it!

10. John

    on October 18th, 2009 at 20:45

    Hope this grief is all over for you (and the other people she’s hassling) soonest, and resolved very much in your favour.