Jagdeo Challenges $15M Libel Ruling

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is challenging a $15 million libel award he received after criticizing the allocation of public land in 2019, when he was Leader of the Opposition. The judgment, handed down in favor of businessman Charles Ceres, also included over $2 million in costs. Jagdeo’s legal team has filed a detailed 31-point appeal, arguing the judge ignored key evidence that Ceres received multiple state land plots. They contend Jagdeo’s remarks were about national transparency and fairness, not personal attacks, and that Ceres’ own testimony supports Jagdeo’s claims. The appeal also criticizes the judge for mischaracterizing the issue by distinguishing between land given to individuals versus companies. Jagdeo’s lawyers are invoking defenses like truth, fair comment, and qualified privilege, warning that upholding the ruling could chill public officials’ ability to speak out on critical issues like public asset distribution. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/8f5748c8dcd1c00c