I am Simon Singh
A great deal of column inches and blog centimetres have, of late, had a real downer on democracy. From time to time, something comes along that is tremendously encouraging.
I am writing from a meeting to support the science writer, Simon Singh, in his legal fight with the BCA. The basement of the Penderel’s Oak public house on High Holborn is large; it is, though, full to overflowing, with people sitting on the stairs outside to be able to hear. There were also lots of apologies on Facebook from people who could not attend.
Three points:
Although it would not be comfortable for Simon Singh, I think that even if the BCA win their libel case, they will lose their moral case.
There appears to be – to someone who is not an expert – a non-zero probability of a successful appeal on Mr Justice Eady’s ruling regarding the word ‘bogus’.
I am also increasingly of the opinion that a reform of English & Welsh libel laws may be reformed to allow a free speech defence in issues of public interest.
More later.
xD.
May 18th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
I think that’s been true for a while – the justification is that with so many well resourced people in the world with an interest in publishing civilisation wrecking quantities of industrial grade horseshit, the legal system ought to be able to back those who call it for what it is.