WASHINGTON (JTA) — Foreign Policy magazine has asked a federal court to throw out a libel suit filed by the son of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
Yasser Abbas filed the suit over an article in the magazine’s June edition that suggested he had grown wealthy due to his father’s position.
The magazine filed legal papers earlier this month in U.S. District Court in Washington arguing that Abbas’ suit is aimed at intimidating his critics and stopping debate, Politico reported.
“In the final analysis, the commentary falls well within the protections of both the First Amendment and the common law,” lawyers for the magazine assert.
The article was written by Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and carried the headline, “The Brothers Abbas: Are the sons of the Palestinian president growing rich off their father’s system?”
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
