Former Portuguese detective Gonçalo Amaral wins appeal in damages trial.

[misty]

We're you present at every conversation between Amaral and Harrison?

Can you provide a cite that any conversation ever took place between them?

[Eleanor]

You are all getting much leeway at the moment, although some of you don't seem to realise.

But, we will have no more accusations against Moderators, no matter their leanings.  Any further accusations will result in Warnings.  Probably from me, in case you wondered.

[Angelo222]

Exploration of why he won his appeal is invited by the topic-title, as is expressions of surprise (that he won his appeal) as well as fleshing out the reasons for that surprise ...

I haven't read the full judgement but it appears to me that the three judges were of the view that Amaral did nothing wrong in espousing his thesis since it was based on the files.

[ferryman]

Were you present at every conversation between Amaral and Harrison?

I've read the relevant extracts from Amaral's book and from Harrison's report.

That'll do ...

[ferryman]

I haven't read the full judgement but it appears to me that the three judges were of the view that Amaral did nothing wrong in espousing his thesis since it was based on the files.

In large (and significant) areas, Amaral's book is not based on the files. I've demonstrated a key example with my quotes above.

But it is far from the only example.

[Brietta]

Exploration of why he won his appeal is invited by the topic-title, as is expressions of surprise (that he won his appeal) as well as fleshing out the reasons for that surprise ...

**Snip
We confidently wait for the evaluation reports from FSS. A few days after the samples are sent, we are informed that the DNA of the blood found in the boot of the McCanns' car shows a significant match - 50% - with Gerald's, which means that it is definitely the blood of one of his children.
The Truth of the lie: Chapter 18: Goncalo Amaral


I remain incredulous that misinformation such as the above was printed in the first instance. It demonstrates the total misunderstanding of forensics and lack of knowledge of the senior investigating officer in charge of a missing child case.

I am doubly incredulous that the Portuguese courts in the name of freedom of expression have accepted that such inaccuracies supersede Article Six of the European Human Rights Act.

[Eleanor]

I haven't read the full judgement but it appears to me that the three judges were of the view that Amaral did nothing wrong in espousing his thesis since it was based on the files.

No one has seen the full judgement in English, but I doubt that there is much to discuss semantically.

Some of us are learning a huge amount about Portuguese Law, albeit in its infancy, but there is some obscure logic to it if you try to look at it from a different stance.

[Montclair]

Some didn't even know it was a libel trial ... until the appeal against the judgement was upheld ... then they seemed to cotton on.

The trial was about damages not libel, even if all of the newspapers said it was a libel trial.

[ferryman]

The trial was about damages not libel, even if all of the newspapers said it was a libel trial.

Cite?

[Eleanor]

The trial was about damages not libel, even if all of the newspapers said it was a libel trial.

This seems to be the problem.  I can see the difference, but most people can't.  Although it is a very fine line.

However, I am not three pleased about the decision of The Appeal Court because some damage was undoubtedly done.  Even if only to the  reputations of McCanns.

[ferryman]

**Snip
We confidently wait for the evaluation reports from FSS. A few days after the samples are sent, we are informed that the DNA of the blood found in the boot of the McCanns' car shows a significant match - 50% - with Gerald's, which means that it is definitely the blood of one of his children.
The Truth of the lie: Chapter 18: Goncalo Amaral


I remain incredulous that misinformation such as the above was printed in the first instance. It demonstrates the total misunderstanding of forensics and lack of knowledge of the senior investigating officer in charge of a missing child case.

I am doubly incredulous that the Portuguese courts in the name of freedom of expression have accepted that such inaccuracies supersede Article Six of the European Human Rights Act.

Yep.

And Amaral contradicted (and corrected!) Stuart Prior on interpretation of the forensic results (apparently).

We don't see Stuart Prior's report ...

[jassi]

This seems to be the problem.  I can see the difference, but most people can't.  Although it is a very fine line.

However, I am not three pleased about the decision of The Appeal Court because some damage was undoubtedly done.  Even if only to the  reputations of McCanns.

Shame about that. Shall we ask them to reverse it for you?

[ferryman]

This seems to be the problem.  I can see the difference, but most people can't.  Although it is a very fine line.

However, I am not three pleased about the decision of The Appeal Court because some damage was undoubtedly done.  Even if only to the  reputations of McCanns.

I'm among those who can't.

Could you explain?

[Eleanor]

Cite?

I don't think we need a cite, Ferryman.  Much as I understand your feelings, and mine.  But I am not allowing emotion to govern me at the moment, certainly not in so far as Portuguese Law is concerned.

We just carry on supporting The McCanns, in so far as we are able.

[Eleanor]

Shame about that. Shall we ask them to reverse it for you?

If you can't see a hand offered in mitigation then shame on you.