COBALT successfully represents Latvian Radio in a legal dispute with Ogre municipality for revocation of false news

COBALT successfully represented Latvian Radio, public broadcaster of Latvia as respondent in a legal dispute with Ogre municipality for revocation of false news.

In the spring of 2019, the morning program of the Latvian Radio featured an analytical story prepared by a Latvian Radio correspondent on the procurement of car rental in Ogre municipality. Considering that the mentioned program included false information undermining the municipality’s honor and reputation, Ogre municipality brought an action before the court and demanded revocation of false news.

Analyzing the circumstances of the case, the court acknowledged that the information provided in the program on the use of municipal funds in the procurement was based on a comprehensive research and analysis of information, truthfully and correctly reflecting the conclusions in the said program. Without finding the dissemination of false information and without acknowledging expression of unfounded, offensive opinion, the court decided to reject the claim of Ogre municipality completely.

The representation of Latvian Radio was ensured by COBALT Managing Partner Lauris Liepa, Senior Associate Linda Bīriņa, as well as Associate Sabīne Zaula.