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 visits to Russia, is reasonably suspected of using tainted monies to purchase Manhattan apartments and pay off her son's mortgage, and was personally responsible for bringing UNESCO into disrepute by naming an international prize after a dictator. The articles do not impute guilt or suggest the claimant is a Russian agent or puppet.

Citation
[2018] EWHC 320 (QB)
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 Words
Outcome
Preliminary issue on meaning determined; applications to strike out and for judgment adjourned.
Legal Topics
Libel, Meaning of Defamatory Statements, Chase Levels, Preliminary Issues, Case Management
Defamation Media Law Libel Meaning of Defamatory Statements Chase Levels Preliminary Issues Case Management

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 3 Authorities cited 18 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 5
Sign in to unlock

Parties

Irina Bokova

Claimant

Associated Newspapers Limited

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Action / Preliminary Issue on Meaning of Words

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 visits to Russia, is reasonably suspected of using tainted monies to purchase Manhattan apartments and pay off her son's mortgage, and was personally responsible for bringing UNESCO into disrepute by naming an international prize after a dictator. The articles do not impute guilt or suggest the claimant is a Russian agent or puppet.

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.