Bokova v Associated Newspapers Ltd [2018] EWHC 320 (QB) (21 February 2018)

Bokova v Associated Newspapers Ltd [2018] EWHC 320 (QB) (21 February 2018)

The articles mean that there are reasonable grounds to suspect the claimant of fraud in relation to the appointment of Ana Luiza Thompson-Flores, that the claimant made dishonest false statements in her CV, was party to dishonest statements about her visits to Russia, there are reasonable grounds to suspect use of tainted monies for property purchases, and that the claimant brought UNESCO into disrepute by naming a prize after a dictator. The articles do not impute guilt or suggest the claimant is a spy or puppet of Russia.

Citation
[2018] EWHC 320
Parties
Claimant: Irina Bokova; Defendant: Associated Newspapers Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
21 February 2018
Procedural Posture
Libel Action / Preliminary Issue on Meaning of Articles
Outcome
Preliminary issue on meaning determined; applications to strike out and for judgment adjourned.
Legal Topics
Libel, Meaning of Defamatory Statements, Preliminary Issues, Chase Levels of Meaning
Defamation Media Law Libel Meaning of Defamatory Statements Preliminary Issues Chase Levels of Meaning

Case Brief

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Parties

Irina Bokova

Claimant

Associated Newspapers Limited

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Action / Preliminary Issue on Meaning of Articles

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the natural and ordinary meaning of the words complained of in the articles?
  2. 2 Do the articles impute guilt or reasonable grounds to suspect wrongdoing to the claimant?

Ratio Decidendi

The articles mean that there are reasonable grounds to suspect the claimant of fraud in relation to the appointment of Ana Luiza Thompson-Flores, that the claimant made dishonest false statements in her CV, was party to dishonest statements about her visits to Russia, there are reasonable grounds to suspect use of tainted monies for property purchases, and that the claimant brought UNESCO into disrepute by naming a prize after a dictator. The articles do not impute guilt or suggest the claimant is a spy or puppet of Russia.

Court Disposition

Preliminary issue on meaning determined; applications to strike out and for judgment adjourned.

Orders

  • Declaration of the natural and ordinary meanings of the articles as set out in the judgment.
  • Adjournment of strike out and judgment applications pending determination of meaning.