Koutsogiannis v The Random House Group Ltd

Koutsogiannis v The Random House Group Ltd

The Book bears the meaning that the Claimant was involved in a network of collusive behaviour, deliberately manipulating Libor to benefit his own or his employer's trading positions, to the potential detriment of many people and entities. This meaning is factual, not opinion. The pleaded meanings of dishonesty, criminality, and repetition of FCA findings are rejected as value judgments or breaches of the repetition rule.

Parties
Claimant: Panagiotis Koutsogiannis; Defendant: The Random House Group Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
18 January 2019
Procedural Posture
Libel Action / Judgment on Preliminary Issues of Meaning and Fact/opinion
Outcome
Defamatory meaning found as stated; meaning is factual, not opinion.
Legal Topics
Libel, Meaning of Defamatory Statements, Fact Vs Opinion, Repetition Rule, Chase Levels
Defamation Media Law Libel Meaning of Defamatory Statements Fact Vs Opinion Repetition Rule Chase Levels

Case Brief

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Parties

Panagiotis Koutsogiannis

Claimant

The Random House Group Limited

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Libel Action / Judgment on Preliminary Issues of Meaning and Fact/opinion

Legal Issues

  1. 1 What defamatory meaning the words complained of bear
  2. 2 Whether the words complained of are statements of opinion or fact

Ratio Decidendi

The Book bears the meaning that the Claimant was involved in a network of collusive behaviour, deliberately manipulating Libor to benefit his own or his employer's trading positions, to the potential detriment of many people and entities. This meaning is factual, not opinion. The pleaded meanings of dishonesty, criminality, and repetition of FCA findings are rejected as value judgments or breaches of the repetition rule.

Court Disposition

Defamatory meaning found as stated; meaning is factual, not opinion.

Orders

  • Court determines the defamatory meaning as stated in paragraph 33 of the judgment.
  • No finding of opinion as regards the Claimant.