Thursday 30 October 2014

Libel Reform Campaign Northern Ireland (EVENT) - I'll see you in court: ten people silenced by our libel laws


This event is happening on December 12 2014. A Friday evening at the Crescent Arts Centre. It starts at 6.30pm and will finish at 8pm. The event is part of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Festival, and is billed as follows:
"Free speech isn't free in Northern Ireland. Thanks to the unreformed law of libel, speaking out in the public interest can land you in court. Join Simon Singh and the Libel Reform Campaign at the Crescent Arts Centre to hear first hand the ten discussions the people of Northern Ireland cannot hear due to the archaic state of the law of libel. While the law in England & Wales was reformed in January this year, in Northern Ireland reform was blocked for reasons that remain unclear, even though the law had been severely criticised by the UN Human Rights Committee. 
In Northern Ireland, under the old unreformed law, the chill on free speech continues. From scientists sued for casting doubt on dubious treatments, to tennis players, oligarchs and quack vitamin pill salesmen who have sued, the Libel Reform Campaign will show you what you are not allowed to hear or read. Science writer Simon Singh will introduce this high-energy event with speeches from writers, journalists, victims of the law and campaigners."