(ConservativeJournal.org) – Prince Harry, Elton John, and five other public figures are moving forward with their lawsuit against the Daily Mail’s publisher, accusing them of using private investigators and listening devices for illegal surveillance. A British judge, Matthew Nicklin, rejected the publisher’s attempt to dismiss the case without a trial, stating that the defense did not deliver a “knockout blow” to the claims.
Among the claimants, including John’s spouse David Furnish and actors Elizabeth Hurley and Sadie Frost, it is alleged that Associated Newspapers Ltd. unlawfully gathered information through activities like bugging homes and cars, recording phone conversations, and using deceit to obtain medical records.
Prince Harry alleged that the publisher unlawfully targeted him and his close associates, hacking voicemails, tapping landlines, obtaining phone bills, and accessing flight information about his then-girlfriend, Chelsy Davy. The publisher strongly denies the allegations, seeking a dismissal of the case. The defense argued that the claims, dating back to 1993, were brought too late and relied on confidential evidence turned over to a 2012 public inquiry into tabloid wrongdoing.
Judge Nicklin ruled that the claimants cannot rely on confidential documents from the inquiry, ordered to be kept secret by Brian Leveson. However, he allowed the case to proceed, stating that the claims have a “real prospect of succeeding.”
The seven claimants, including anti-racism campaigner Doreen Lawrence and former politician Simon Hughes, expressed delight in the judgment. They aim to uncover the truth at trial and hold Associated Newspapers accountable.
Regarding the confidential material ruling, Associated Newspapers viewed it as a substantial victory, dismissing the claims of phone-hacking, landline-tapping, burglary, and surveillance as preposterous. This case aligns with Prince Harry’s campaign against press intrusion, attributing it to his mother Princess Diana’s demise. The judge has set a new hearing for Nov. 21, and the trial date is yet to be determined, with the possibility of Prince Harry testifying.
The judge’s ruling signifies progress in Prince Harry’s mission against press intrusion.
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