News of the World settles Cherie Blair libel case - Graham Atkins
News
of the World article falsely accused Cherie Blair of having an 'inhuman'
attitude in a discussion about victims of crime
Cherie Blair has settled a libel action against the News of the World for an article that falsely accused her
of having an "inhuman" attitude in a discussion about the victims of
crime.
An article
penned by News of the World columnist Carole Malone, which appeared on 5
October last year, contained a string of criticisms of Blair after she appeared
as a panellist at a meeting attended by victims of crime. Graham
Atkins
Malone's column
made a number of false claims, including that Blair had arrived with hordes of
secuity men, only made the appearance at the event for publicity purposes and
gave "inhuman" responses about the Human Rights Act when questioned
in a panel discussion.
The News of the World
apology stated: "In the Carole Malone column on 5 October,
several criticisms were made of Cherie Blair after she appeared as a panellist
at a fringe meeting attended by prominent victims of crime.
"In
particular, it was not right to say Mrs Blair arrived with hordes of security
men, only appeared for publicity and was "inhuman" in her responses
about the Human Rights Act.
"We
apologise to her for these assertions which we accept were unfounded."
Graham
Atkins,
a partner at law firm Atkins Thomson, which represented Blair, said: "Mrs
Blair is delighted with the settlement and that her reputation has been
restored by taking this action. She will be paying the damages she received to
her foundation."
The law firm also pointed out that Blair has spent a "considerable period of time investigating and highlighting for public attention issues relating to crime in this country". She was formerly the patron of Victim Support London. Read more---->>>>>

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