So what's next in the libel trial saga?

[Brietta]

There seems to be a bit of industrial unrest in Portugal some of which will coincide with the libel trial date, wonder if there might be opportunity to work it into the delaying timetable.

Poruguese CGTP union threatens further strikes in July

After thunderous protest in Lisbon over the weekend which brought busloads of protesters from all over the country, the CGTP union is threatening further strike action for July 10.

This will follow a doctor’s strike earmarked for July 8 and 9.

Union leader Arménio Carlos (pictured) confirmed the July 10 action in front of hundreds of demonstrators in Rossio on Saturday.

The government’s labour policies are leading to increased poverty, he claimed as the crowds before him chanted the habitual: “A luta continua, Governo para a rua” (loosely translated into, ‘we have to keep protesting until the government falls’).
- See more at: http://portugalresident.com/poruguese-cgtp-union-threatens-further-strikes-in-july#sthash.geTbepHF.dpuf

[ferryman]

it seems amarals wasn't as he is complaining about not being paid

I suspect Carly Michelle is confusing 'pro bono' (services offered without charge) with conditional fee (offered to the McCanns by Carter Ruck, who are certainly not pro bono solicitors).

Conditional fee means you are paid if you win.

[LagosBen]

If Amaral has nothing to hide.....why is he stalling?

[faithlilly]

I think that this is an interesting point.  But in the case of The Libel Trial it was all published or Media stuff.

I think you are mixing up sceptics and supporters of Amaral. You tend to do the same with supporters of the McCanns and supporters of Madeleine.

[misty]

Deleted

[John]

legal definition of libel...

a published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation.


Amaral has written a book that accuses the mccanns of criminal acts and has therefore committed libel

So let's see, who is going to determine if those criminal acts are fact or fiction?  A Lisbon judge?

The libel trial cannot be legally determined until the criminal case is concluded.

[jassi]

So let's see, who is going to determine if those criminal acts are fact it fiction?  A Lisbon judge?

The libel trial cannot be legally determined until the criminal case is concluded.

Not sure that would be so, as the criminal case may never be resolved, but verdict ought to be reversible if a criminal verdict were to indicate that the libel verdict was wrong.

[John]

Not sure that would be so, as the criminal case may never be resolved, but verdict ought to be reversible if a criminal verdict were to indicate that the libel verdict was wrong.

I see it as a stalemate, the defamation cannot be proven one way or the other. 

[Eleanor]

Presumption of Innocence.

[Carana]

Presumption of Innocence.

It's anyone's guess as to how this case will go. However, presumption of innocence was indeed a factor in Murat's appeal trial.

[Eleanor]

It's anyone's guess as to how this case will go. However, presumption of innocence was indeed a factor in Murat's appeal trial.

I am glad to hear that it still exists in Portugal.

[Carana]

I am glad to hear that it still exists in Portugal.

Indeed, although it's a shame that that was only recognised upon appeal, for some reason.

Another interesting aspect in that appeal ruling was the concept that what may be of interest to the public is not necessarily in the public interest. A caveat about that is that Murat was suing the editor and journalists of CdaM, which the appeal judges deemed to fall within the statutes of media law. I've no idea whether it would apply to the McCann case or not.

[jassi]

Indeed, although it's a shame that that was only recognised upon appeal, for some reason.

Another interesting aspect in that appeal ruling was the concept that what may be of interest to the public is not necessarily in the public interest. A caveat about that is that Murat was suing the editor and journalists of CdaM, which the appeal judges deemed to fall within the statutes of media law. I've no idea whether it would apply to the McCann case or not.

I believe UK courts make similar rulings.

[Carana]

I believe UK courts make similar rulings.

Yes, and rightly so, IMO, in view of the numerous press transgressions by the UK and other countries on any number of issues.

That said, it may depend on how Portuguese law on this is interpreted. For example, Amaral wouldn't qualify as a "journalist". And G & P aren't the "editors" of a "periodical".

I posted a link to PT media law on here somewhere, unless it got whooshed.

[Alfred R Jones]

martinbrunt @skymartinbrunt
#Madeleine Final legal arguments in the McCann £1m libel trial over ex-cop's book in Lisbon next week. Verdict expected in February