While the US is freely able to debate Trafigura’s role in the Ivory Coast toxic dumpings, the British press has been effectively silenced. This isn’t surprising in a legal system which goes out of its way to benefit the rich and powerful. The gagging of the BBC demands a new libel reform law. Progress has already signed up to the campaign, we hope supporters will too.
Jessica Asato, Acting Director of Progress
This highlights the urgent need for libel law reform. Jack Straw should introduce a bill on an all-party basis as soon as the Commons returns. Whatever the merits of the Trafigura case nothing can justify these huge sums of money flowing through London libel courts. The BBC can waste millions as it has the bottomless purse of the licence fee income paid by the poorest in the land to the richest-paid public officials in Britain – the BBC top executives. But for every one else seeking to publish the truth about the wealthy overseas firms and oligarchs who treat London as their personal libel playground the BBC decision is a disaster.
Denis MacShane, MP for Rotherham
Sadly, the BBC has once again buckled in the face of authority or wealthy corporate interests. It has cut a secret deal. This is a black day for British journalism and once more strengthens our resolve to reform our unjust libel laws.
John Kampfner, CEO of Index on Censorship
Forced to choose between a responsible broadcaster and an oil company which shipped hundreds of tons of toxic waste to a developing country, English libel law has once again allowed the wrong side to claim victory. The law is an ass and needs urgent reform.
Jonathan Heawood, Director of English PEN
If I happen to be the first one to comment on this issue, I can only say how unfortunate it is endeed. For this is a real issue that forms the basis of what it really means to be a dominant nation. This simple matter about the British remaining silent as to what is going on with all the toxic dumpings on the Ivory Coast of which full responsiblity is borne by Trafigura and all those countries who do nothing to stop it.
But this is only a tiny issue. The rich countries, covered by thisnfalacy called “democracy” keep their presure in all sorts of forms on other weaker nations to impose their will. Now, if people remain siolent too, the battle is lost. That is why i started this by stating how unfortunate it is to be the first one to commemnt on this.
Jasmine.
What is the point of a democracy if the law silences those who cannot afford a libel case – which is virtually everyone! Only the super rich and corrupt can possibly benefit from the current situation. If the BBC can be stopped from freely and fairly reporting important stories then we really are in trouble – what hope would any individual have!
I hope that the lack of comment on this is because everyone is having a wonderful Christmas.