Colin Craig has announced that he has commenced proceedings against Russel Norman, or at least I think this is what he has done.
From his press release:
Craig Continues Push for Honesty
Colin Craig today advised that the defamation claim against Russell Norman will be split into two stages in the hope of fast tracking a court hearing.
“After extensive discussion and advice from my legal team, I’ve decided to proceed immediately against Mr Norman regarding his claims about the place of women,” says Mr Craig.
“Not only were Mr Norman’s comments entirely untrue, but they demonstrated a cavalier and reckless disregard for the truth.”
“Debates should be won by presenting the facts, not by corrupting them,” Mr Craig says. “I think the public deserve an honest debate.”
“A high standard of public debate is essential to a properly functioning democracy. I, like most New Zealanders, am tired of politicians corrupting the facts, making up stories, name calling, and generally behaving badly in political debate,” Mr Craig says.
“The reason the rest of Mr Norman’s comment will not be pursued in the first instance is that his lawyers have already indicated that discovery would include emails and other correspondence. Given the extensive debate around the redefinition of marriage, this is many hundreds, if not thousands of documents, and would result in prohibitive costs and time delays.”
“It is hoped by breaking the case into two stages, that a declaration of defamation may be obtained prior to the election this year.”
There is someone called Russell Norman who is really afraid that he may be served with papers for something he has not done. The Greens co-leader is Russel Norman.
Effectively running two cases will make the claim considerably more expensive. And if cost and the obligation to disclose documents relating to his views on homosexuality are the concern then I presume that he is signalling that he is not going to sue Norman for his comment on Craig’s views on gays. Presuming this is the case it would be more honest to say so rather than saying that he is going to split the case into two stages.
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