A German court in Hamburg has ruled in favor of billionaire Alisher Usmanov in his defamation lawsuit against Austrian newspaper Kurier. The court found that the newspaper violated Usmanov’s rights when it referred to him as “one of Putin’s favorite oligarchs” in an article titled “Oligarchs of Russia: Financing Putin’s Wars and Profiting from Them.”
According to court documents cited by EU Today, the article claimed that Usmanov was bestowed the title of “Putin’s favorite oligarch” by the Russian president himself. However, the court did not find any evidence to support this claim. The newspaper argued that Usmanov had been described using the same phrase in the justification for EU sanctions imposed on him last year. However, the court ruled that this was insufficient grounds to use the moniker in the article.
The ruling stated that the phrase used by Kurier was defamatory and violated Usmanov’s rights. As a result, the court effectively banned the media from using the moniker in reference to Usmanov.
Usmanov, a prominent businessman with ties to Russia, was placed under EU sanctions in February 2022 following the start of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine. He has been contesting these restrictions in EU courts since then.
Last fall, local authorities in Germany conducted searches on Usmanov’s villas. These searches were reportedly related to accusations of tax evasion, money laundering, and sanctions violations. However, a German court declared the searches illegal in May of this year.
The ruling in favor of Usmanov highlights the importance of media responsibility in reporting and avoiding defamatory statements. The court’s decision to protect an individual’s rights against defamatory claims sets a precedent for responsible journalism.
It is essential for journalists and media outlets to ensure the accuracy and verifiability of the information they publish. In this case, the court found that there was no evidence to support the claim made by Kurier about Usmanov’s relationship with Putin. The ruling emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research and fact-checking before publishing potentially damaging statements.
The lawsuit and subsequent ruling also shed light on the ongoing legal battles faced by individuals affected by sanctions. Usmanov has been actively contesting the restrictions placed on him by the EU, and the ruling in his favor indicates the complexities and nuances of such legal proceedings.
Overall, the court’s decision in favor of Usmanov demonstrates the significance of protecting individuals’ rights and reputations in the media. While freedom of the press is a fundamental aspect of democratic societies, it is equally crucial for journalists to exercise caution, accuracy, and responsibility in their reporting to avoid defamation and potential legal repercussions.
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