Russian state in 'libel tourism' row in UK court
A ‘libel tourism’ action brought in the High Court in London has been described as an abuse of process by the QC defending the case.
An alleged 'abuse of process'
The libel action has been raised against UK hedge fund boss William Browder, by Pavel Karpov, described as “an unemployed former Russian police officer.”
The action alleges that Browder said Karpov was complicit in the “torture and murder” of Sergei Magnitsky, and had involvement in fraud and kidnapping.
Antony White QC requested the case be dismissed as an “abuse of process”, stating that Karpov had “no connection with England and no reputation to protect here”.
White also questioned Karpov’s ability to fund the multi million pound action, suggesting that the case was being funded by the Russian state.
“The court cannot be satisfied that the Russian state is not behind the claims in some way – perhaps by agreeing to indemnify the friend,” he said.
“The litigation appears to pursue an avowed political objective of the Russian state. This suggests that the claim is abusive and should be struck out.”
Karpov denies all the allegations against him.