Defamation Defence & SLAPP Claims · Legal briefing
Truth & Public Interest Under Section 14
By Adv. Yechiel Rachamim Menahemov & Adv. Assaf ShpigelPublished:
The practical dilemma
You are sued over statements you believe are entirely true. Why does that still require a defence?
The legal position
Section 14 requires truth and public interest together. The defendant must substantiate the defence; sincere belief is not proof of truth. Failure to prove a minor incidental detail that adds no material harm does not necessarily defeat protection. Assess the substantial meaning rather than require perfection in every trivial detail or rely on one accurate fragment. Good-faith defences are separate. Official source 1
Your next step
Match each factual allegation to documents and witnesses and examine public interest. Distinguish information available at publication from later material. Do not republish merely to vindicate your position.