Feyziyev v The Journalism Development Network Association & Anor [2019] EWHC 957 (QB) (16 April 2019)

Feyziyev v The Journalism Development Network Association & Anor [2019] EWHC 957 (QB) (16 April 2019)

The First Article bears the meaning that there are reasonable grounds to suspect the claimant, through AvroMed, engaged or assisted in illegal money laundering and bribery of influential European politicians, journalists, and businessmen on a vast scale. The Second Article bears the meaning that there are strong grounds to suspect the claimant, through AvroMed, engaged or assisted in illegal money laundering and bribery of influential European politicians, journalists, and businessmen on a vast scale. Neither article conveys guilt as fact; both convey suspicion at a high level but not outright guilt.

Citation
[2019] EWHC 957 (QB)
Parties
Claimant: Javanshir Feyziyev; Defendant: The Journalism Development Network Association; Defendant: Paul Radu
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
16 April 2019
Procedural Posture
Libel Action / Trial of Issue of Meaning; Hearing of Strike Out and Further Information Applications
Outcome
Strike-out application granted; defendants ordered to serve Amended Defence and provide further information as relevant.
Legal Topics
Libel, Meaning of Defamatory Statements, Strike Out Application, Public Interest Defence
Defamation Media Law Libel Meaning of Defamatory Statements Strike Out Application Public Interest Defence

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Parties

Javanshir Feyziyev

Claimant

The Journalism Development Network Association

Defendant

Paul Radu

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Action / Trial of Issue of Meaning; Hearing of Strike Out and Further Information Applications

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What is the natural and ordinary meaning of the articles complained of?
  2. 2 Are the articles defamatory of the claimant?
  3. 3 Should parts of the Defence be struck out for lack of reasonable grounds?

Ratio Decidendi

The First Article bears the meaning that there are reasonable grounds to suspect the claimant, through AvroMed, engaged or assisted in illegal money laundering and bribery of influential European politicians, journalists, and businessmen on a vast scale. The Second Article bears the meaning that there are strong grounds to suspect the claimant, through AvroMed, engaged or assisted in illegal money laundering and bribery of influential European politicians, journalists, and businessmen on a vast scale. Neither article conveys guilt as fact; both convey suspicion at a high level but not outright guilt.

Court Disposition

Strike-out application granted; defendants ordered to serve Amended Defence and provide further information as relevant.

Orders

  • Defendants to serve Amended Defence by specified deadline.
  • Defendants to answer outstanding requests for further information, subject to source protection rights under s 10 Contempt of Court Act 1981.