By Sohaib Shams
The High Court in London heard on Wednesday that the Guardian and ITN have a duty to the public and their sources to publish allegations of exploitative sexual behaviour by a well-known individual, identified only as PPT, even though his lawyers say publication would likely lead to his suicide.
Claimant's injunction bid
PPT is seeking a permanent injunction to block publication, citing his right to life under Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, protection from inhuman treatment under Article 3, and privacy under Article 8. His legal team presented evidence of two previous suicide attempts and argued that publishing would endanger his life.
Media's public interest defense
Gavin Millar KC, representing the media outlets, told Mr Justice Nicklin that the organisations have “not just the responsibility, but the duty to publish information we believe to be in the public interest.” He said the claimant had not sufficiently considered the impact on the sources, many of whom are women who have suffered mental health crises as a result of the alleged conduct.
Evidence and countervailing rights
The media groups’ written submission stated they have credible evidence of seriously improper conduct toward a large number of women over a prolonged period, including potential criminal conduct. Millar argued that blocking publication would prompt the women to find other ways to make their stories public, and that proceeding through the Guardian and ITN is the best way to put the information into the public domain. The media companies also invoked Article 10, which protects freedom of expression, and said the European Court of Human Rights has never ruled that Articles 2, 3, or 8 would prevent publication in such circumstances.
Investigation and expert assessment
Millar noted the investigation spoke to more than 100 people, including 30 first-hand accounts, and that deadlines had been repeatedly extended since May to accommodate PPT’s medical issues. An independent expert assessment concluded that suicide is not inevitable if publication proceeds, and that risks could be lowered if the allegations were published while PPT is in an inpatient psychiatric setting.
Next steps
The trial has concluded, with Mr Justice Nicklin expected to deliver a ruling at a later date. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123. In the US, call or text 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741. In Australia, Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines are at befrienders.org.
