Bokova v Associated Newspapers Ltd

Bokova v Associated Newspapers Ltd

The articles mean 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, there are reasonable grounds to suspect use of tainted monies for property purchases, and that she was responsible for bringing 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.

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 of Meaning, Case Management, Costs Management
Defamation Media Law Libel Meaning of Defamatory Statements Chase Levels of Meaning Case Management Costs Management

Case Brief

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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?
  3. 3 What is the appropriate Chase level of meaning for the allegations?

Ratio Decidendi

The articles mean 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, there are reasonable grounds to suspect use of tainted monies for property purchases, and that she was responsible for bringing 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.