Olivier v Kostin (HC-MD-CIV-ACT-DEL- 3603 of 2019) [2022] NAHCMD 180 (8 April 2022)

Olivier v Kostin (HC-MD-CIV-ACT-DEL- 3603 of 2019) [2022] NAHCMD 180 (8 April 2022)

The defendant proved on a balance of probability that the statements were substantially true, made in the public interest, and not actuated by malice; therefore, the publication was not unlawful and the defamation claim fails.

Citation
[2022] NAHCMD 180
Parties
Plaintiff: Sonja Olivier; Defendant: Roumiana Kostin
Court
High Court Main Division
Jurisdiction
Namibia
Judgment Date
8 April 2022
Case Number
HC-MD-CIV-ACT-DEL- 3603 of 2019
Procedural Posture
Civil Action for Defamation / Judgment
Outcome
claim dismissed with costs
Legal Topics
Defamation, Qualified Privilege, Truth and Public Interest, Malice, Nepotism, Conflict of Interest
Source Language
English

Case Brief

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Parties

Sonja Olivier

Plaintiff

Roumiana Kostin

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Civil Action for Defamation / Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the defendant's complaint was defamatory
  2. 2 Whether the statements were substantially true and in the public interest
  3. 3 Whether the statements were made on a privileged occasion

Ratio Decidendi

The defendant proved on a balance of probability that the statements were substantially true, made in the public interest, and not actuated by malice; therefore, the publication was not unlawful and the defamation claim fails.

Court Disposition

claim dismissed with costs

Orders

  • The plaintiff’s claim is dismissed with costs, such costs to include the costs of one instructing and one instructed counsel.