An internet libel case that went before the New York Supreme Court is threatening to curb the freedom of on-line news reporters. The case was prompted by several investigative reports into the President of the Banco National de Mexico (“Banamex”), Roberto Hernandez Ramirez.

The reports posted on the NarcoNews.com web site hosted in New York alleged that Ramirez was involved in illegal drug trafficking activities. A libel case was brought against the journalists responsible for publishing the articles on-line, but was dismissed three times by the Mexican courts. It was then taken to the courts in New York on the grounds that the web site server was based in New York and so the courts arguably have jurisdiction over the case.

US based civil liberties organisation the Electronic Frontier Foundation (“EFF”) has expressed its concerns regarding the case to the court. The Legal Director of the EFF, Cindy Cohn said:

“The EFF is concerned that the bank resorted to New York courts to try to shut down this web site because it could not do so in Mexican courts. This kind of forum shopping threatens to shut down one of the greatest benefits of the internet – giving a voice to independent, internet-based journalists. Faced with having to defend themselves in far-flung jurisdictions, many independent journalists will simply choose not to publish on the internet.”

The ruling in this case is not expected for some months yet.

We are processing your request. \n Thank you for your patience. An error occurred. This could be due to inactivity on the page - please try again.