Can we judge a person's character by their stance on the case?

[Holly Goodhead]

Yes.

In fact the case is only at an initial stage of having been accepted, but no decision has been made as to whether the case will  proceed to a judicial hearing.

A decision to reject or  advance the case could be announced at any moment.

Is this then the end of the road? 

Is the book still available to purchase?  I read Amaral made 350k from sales?

[jassi]

Is this then the end of the road? 

Is the book still available to purchase?  I read Amaral made 350k from sales?

There is no appeal against the ECHR decision - as far as I know.

[Holly Goodhead]

The principle is exactly the same, so please answer the question.

I'm not a libel lawyer but I guess each case is viewed on its merit.  Even lawyers can only give opinions.  The McCanns were no doubt advised of the advantages and disadvantages by Isabel Duarte.  Likewise I guess for who ever advised Amaral and any publishers.

[Eleanor]

No they don't since no one knows what's factually right and what isn't. 

How do you think so many have produced damning material about the McCanns and got away with it including Amaral?  Amaral and his publishers no doubt took legal advice before they published as did the McCanns when they started litigation.

Why do you think no Publisher in Britain will touch Amaral's book?

[Holly Goodhead]

I note those who have produced material in a semi-professional way more recently eg Mark SudoKhani with his podcasts state they are not suggesting the McCanns are involved blah, blah and yet produce a load of material that leads listeners with little doubt that this is what he's driving at!? 

[jassi]

Why do you think no Publisher in Britain will touch Amaral's book?

Probably because they don't wish to risk having to pay money out to an undeserving cause.

[Holly Goodhead]

Why do you think no Publisher in Britain will touch Amaral's book?

Well it could be they could not be bothered with any litigation along with the fact it probably wouldn't sell that well in UK anyway.  Is it still available?  I understand he made 350k from book sales?  Who distributed it?  Do any break down figs exist?

Remember 'Spycatcher'? 

[Eleanor]

Probably because they don't wish to risk having to pay money out to an undeserving cause.

Who is the undeserving cause?  Amaral in Book Sales or The McCanns in Libel Damages?

[jassi]

Who is the undeserving cause?  Amaral in Book Sales or The McCanns in Libel Damages?

The McCanns and their lawyers.
Just my opinion on the matter   

[Vertigo Swirl]

I'm not a libel lawyer but I guess each case is viewed on its merit.  Even lawyers can only give opinions.  The McCanns were no doubt advised of the advantages and disadvantages by Isabel Duarte.  Likewise I guess for who ever advised Amaral and any publishers.

You cannot accuse someone of a crime they have not been found guilty of in a newspaper in this country without breaking libel laws.  I’m amazed you are unaware of this? 

[jassi]

You cannot accuse someone of a crime they have not been found guilty of in a newspaper in this country without breaking libel laws.  I’m amazed you are unaware of this?

It only becomes an issue if legal action is taken against you.

[Eleanor]

Well it could be they could not be bothered with any litigation along with the fact it probably wouldn't sell that well in UK anyway.  Is it still available?  I understand he made 350k from book sales?  Who distributed it?  Do any break down figs exist?

Remember 'Spycatcher'?

Tony Bennett was left with a very nasty bill after he Libelled The McCanns.

[Vertigo Swirl]

It only becomes an issue if legal action is taken against you.

Obviously, but the law in this country would be on Spliff’s side against the Sun claiming he was a paedo, every time.

[Holly Goodhead]

Who is the undeserving cause?  Amaral in Book Sales or The McCanns in Libel Damages?

But why attempt to silence your critics if you've nothing to hide?  Not everyone who read Amaral's book was going to buy into his theories etc.  In fact it may have assisted the McCanns.  Imo nothing good can come out of this litigation.  I think it would be better if they just kept their heads down battling away with the campaign.

[Vertigo Swirl]

But why attempt to silence your critics if you've nothing to hide?  Not everyone who read Amaral's book was going to buy into his theories etc.  In fact it may have assisted the McCanns.  Imo nothing good can come out of this litigation.  I think it would be better if they just kept their heads down battling away with the campaign.

In hindsight you’re probably right but the McCanns firmly believed that Amaral’s book and subsequent publicity campaignwas instrumental in convincing the Portuguese public that Madeleine was dead and that that was harmful to her prospects of recovery if she were still alive and findable.