Mauro Lacy wrote:
I'm not a lawyer, but in general it's very difficult to actually condemn someone on defamation charges. Accusing someone of defamation, and prosecuting him on those grounds, is a different matter.
I am not worried that anyone is going to prosecute Beene. Hundreds of people are probably circulating scurrilous rumors about Rossi. And let's face it, sometimes his behavior invites suspicion, as I have often pointed out.
The issue here is not legal, but ethical. Defkalion has a ton of problems to deal with. They have -- or soon will have -- powerful enemies in every corner. In my opinion, it is highly unethical for Beene to add fuel to this fire and circulate more rumors and statements that sound a lot like he has inside knowledge of an actual scam. UNLESS OF COURSE he has actual knowledge of such things! In that case, he should tell the authorities.
As long as he makes it clear this is hypothetical, I have no objection whatever.
It is unethical to accuse anyone of a crime when you have no knowledge of such a thing. Whether you are actually commuting libel according to the letter of the law is not the issue. It is unethical. It causes heartache and problems for the people you accuse. It is unjust. It is impolite. Such behavior should not be allowed here, in this forum, in my opinion.
- Jed
