Simplifying libel
Salman Rusdie has set a new – and very positive – precedent for libel actions today by accepting an apology and not seeking damages.
Ronald Evans helped to protect Rushdie after he received death threats for writing The Satanic Verses in 1989. In his book, On Her Majesty’s Service, Evans made a number of claims which he has now admitted are false.
Mr Evans, ghost writer Douglas Thompson and publishers John Blake Publishing apologised in London’s High Court for the “hurt and damage” they had caused. Mr Justice Teare made a Declaration of Falsity against the two authors and the publisher.
According to Rushdie: “It was never my desire to seek any financial reward from this but simply to have it established that the truth is the truth and lies are lies - I’m happy to have nailed that.”
Sir Salman praised the use of the Declaration of Falsity in this case and urged others in the same situation to follow the same route.
“I hope that maybe this device of the Declaration of Falsity is another way of pursuing these matters,” he said.
“Instead of going for the megabucks you simply go to court for the important thing which is to establish what’s true and what’s not.
“I think it’s a clearer and simpler way of dealing with this and I’m very pleased we’ve been able to use it in this way.”
The relevant parts of Evans’ book have now been rewritten and the false allegations removed.
Tuesday 26 Aug 2008 | Paul | UK
