Bethnal Green activist loses libel case against blogger
AN EAST End political activist has lost her libel case against a journalist who in his blog referred to her Baader-Meinhof link . Tory Johanna Kaschke who lives on the Parkview Estate in Bethnal Green insisted comments written by Labour party member Dav
AN EAST End political activist has lost her libel case against a journalist who in his blog referred to her "Baader-Meinhof link".
Tory Johanna Kaschke who lives on the Parkview Estate in Bethnal Green insisted comments written by Labour party member David Osler in April 2007 were defamatory and linked her with terrorism.
But Mr Justice Eady threw out the claim as "an abuse of process" at London's High Court yesterday.
Mr Osler said he only posted the material after seeing an article on Ms Kaschke's own website and had never suggested that she was involved in bank robberies, violence or terrorism.
He accepted that, although she came under suspicion in the 1970s and was imprisoned for a time, she was not guilty of any criminal offence and was paid compensation in Germany for her wrongful arrest.
He said that he had given Ms Kaschke a right of reply, which appeared on the blog in May 2007, and was prepared to join in a statement reaffirming his acceptance of her innocence.
Most Read
- 1 Cyclist in 'critical but stable' condition after Whitechapel lorry crash
- 2 Cyclist in hospital after lorry collision in Whitechapel
- 3 12 stolen phones recovered after stop and search in Hackney
- 4 Thunderstorms to hit London this evening warns Met Office
- 5 Section 60 in place across Tower Hamlets after Stepney stabbing
- 6 Flats under construction in Hackney Wick to be knocked down and rebuilt
- 7 Cycle paths joined up in Aldgate creates 'safe route' through east London
- 8 Iceland offers over 60s discount on shopping bill every week
- 9 'A horrific attack': Man suffers critical head injuries from Shoreditch fight
- 10 Jailed: 9 east London offenders put behind bars in April
The judge said he was quite satisfied the posting did not link Ms Kaschke to terrorism in the sense of suggesting in any way that she was directly linked with it or that she approved of the extremist activities.