Russian oligarchs have a new secret weapon in their arsenal: libel. With the help of wealthy friends in high places, they are using this powerful tool to shut down critical media outlets and silence their critics.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at how libel is being used to suppress free speech and quash dissent in Russia. We will also explore the implications for journalists and bloggers who dare to speak out against the rich and powerful.
Do Russian Oligarchs Have Secret Weapon Libel?
The 2013 Defamation Act was enacted by the government to restore equilibrium. It mandated that plaintiffs prove they have experienced “severe harm” and that they must establish ties to the nation to submit it.
The statute that was provided to the Ministry of Justice was written by an associate professor at the London School of Economics Andrew Scott, who claimed that if it was intended to support the media, it failed.
He claimed that although the bar for success in a defamation action was raised, nothing was done to reduce the process’s expense.
Little has changed, and journalists and publishers still have to worry about paying hefty legal bills to defend themselves against irate oligarchs.
The only individuals who would benefit from this new law are lawyers and tyrants, I and a colleague wrote at the time, according to Mr Scott.
As a result, seasoned journalists appreciate their ability to spot disaster coming. Over the past few weeks, I’ve received inquiries from a dozen editors asking me to write about Roman Abramovich. I’ve had to reply that I never looked at him since it never occurred to me that I knew anything about him.
Get it published,” Mr Bullo said. You become rather adept at following the rules. It is a highly powerful method of censorship.
Since “Butler to the World” was released on March 10, there have been no legal setbacks. Oligarchs frequently file lawsuits as the one-year statute of limitations for defamation actions approaches. For instance, as the first anniversary of “Putin’s People” drew near, cases against them increased.
Articles You Might Enjoy Reading
Why Do So Many Russian Oligarchs Live In London?
Have Russian Oligarchs Been Poisoned?
Russian Oligarchs Living In USA