The comments are unimaginable and fabrication

The libel case of journalist Aðalsteinn Kjartansson against Páll Vilhjálmsson was taken in Landsretti this morning. The case relates to Paul’s comments on Aðalstein regarding the so-called telephone and commercial case.

Paul appealed the case to the National Court in May last year after the district court sentenced his comments on Aðalstein unmarked as well as sentenced him to pay Aðalsteinn 1.4 million in legal costs and ISK 450,000 in compensation.

Paul had commented somewhat on his blog about the criminal investigation of the telephone and office case, where Aðalsteinn had the position of the criminal, where it was examined whether the privacy of Pál Steingrímsson’s privacy was violated.

In the comments of Paul, which were convicted, reference was made, among other things, that Athalsteinn had direct or indirect membership in the alleged start of Paul’s captain.

The Northeastern Police investigation into the telephone and starting case was canceled in September last year.

Incorpulous statements

Adalsteinn and Paul were both present for national law this morning to listen to the plea of ​​their lawyers.

In the speech of Gunnar Inga Jóhannsson, Aðalstein’s lawyer, it was stated that Paul had to be responsible for his comments that had been the unreasonable statements and preparation. He did not have any involvement in the case but was interested in it after reading an article on the case in 2021.

If he had then accused Aðalstein of stolen, lied and come to Pál Steingrímsson’s son, as well as a corrupt police investigation.

Then the comment would not have been in good faith, but on the contrary, in evil faith.

In the speech of Sigurður G. Guðjónsson, Paul’s lawyer, it was stated that Paul’s writing would have to be considered as a writing by a self -employed journalist who was safeguarding the interests of the community.

Conclusion to expect in June

In a conversation with mbl.is, Sigurður says that the conclusion in the case is expected from national law for a trial, which begins on July 1.

Paul had previously been convicted in the district in another libel case against Thórðr Snæ Júlíusson and Arnari Thor Ingolfsson, where Paul accused Thórðr and Arnar of direct or indirect membership of Pál Steingrímsson’s son and his stole.

Landsrett turned to that court in May last year and acquitted Paul. The Supreme Court later rejected the request of Arnar and Thórðr on the appeal of the National Court ruling.

« In the big picture, this is about what the media can go a long way in a debate that is sharp, about saying something that is perhaps not quite 100% correct, because this is a matter to the public, » says Sigurdur and also refers to the fact that judgments can be found in Iceland where there have been a matter of affairs.

Then, with his comments, Paul has been describing the state of the journalist. The journalists had been rewarded for their coverage while they had a criminal offense and that Paul had pointed out that the discussion was not properly worked on.

Are you optimistic that Landsrecht will turn the verdict?

Yes, I have to be. Of course, there are things that are like that, but you have to emphasize the overall context of things; What is the position you are inside when you are saying this. «