Greens MP Sophie McNeill threatens legal action against WA newspaper over rally coverage
A Western Australian Greens MP has threatened to sue the state’s leading daily newspaper for libel over its coverage of nationwide protests against Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit this week.
Upper House MP Sophie McNeill was the emcee of the rally at Forrest Place in Perth’s CBD on Monday and had heavily publicized the event on her social media accounts.
While the rally in Perth went off without incident, there were violent clashes between police and protesters in Sydney, the first stop of Herzog’s four-day tour, where he visited the site of the Bondi terror attack.
The next day, Western Australia published a front-page article titled “Globalization of the Ignorant” with a subheading that read: “As Israeli President mourns Bondi massacre, confused protesters in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne spew Jew hatred.”
The article noted the slogans “from river to sea” and “globalize the intifada” (controversial phrases being scrutinized as states seek to amend hate speech laws); The opening line reported that protesters were “chanting slogans calling for further acts of violence against Jews and the destruction of Israel.”
McNeill – A former Walkley Award-winning journalist who worked for the ABC flagship Four Corners program – not mentioned in print edition West on Tuesday, but his name appeared in an article published on the newspaper’s website on Monday.
A statement of concern has been sent West and editor-in-chief Chris Dore argue that the print articles — along with an editorial on the paper’s inside cover — carry defamatory charges because the average reader might identify McNeill among the protesters who reportedly called for acts of violence against Jews.
The notice, which is the first step in the defamation lawsuit process, claims that readers who see the print news will also have read the online article in which McNeill’s name was mentioned.
In a statement of concern seen by this imprint, McNeill’s lawyer claimed the articles jeopardized the Green MP’s professional reputation and caused him serious harm and distress.
Requesting legal letter West Retraction of posts on the newspaper’s front page on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) accounts, publication of a retraction and apology from McNeill in print and online, and payment of the MP’s legal costs.
In a statement, McNeill said the newspaper’s front page was “hateful, deeply offensive and an outright lie.”
“Our movement stands firmly against antisemitism and all forms of racism and discrimination,” he said.
“Not only was our protest peaceful in both its intent and language, but it was also attended by members of the Perth Jewish community who opposed Herzog’s visit.”
The lawyer acting on behalf of McNeill is Dr. Michael Douglas said the fourth estate plays an important role in democracy but “irresponsible news can undermine social cohesion and drive us further apart.”
Douglas described Australia’s media regulation as “pretty weak”.
“Defamation lawsuits are one of the few tools we have to promote media accountability,” he said.
Western Australia Contacted for comment.
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