P. Rutenberg, the author of the Palestine electrification scheme has brought a libel action against the editor of the Arab anti-Zionist newspaper in Jaffa, the “Felestin”. The “Felestin” alleged that Mr. Rutenberg was on the verge of bankruptcy and urged that no contracts for electricity should therefore be entered into with his undertaking.
Mr. Rutenberg was represented by Mr. Harry Sacher, who asked for £20 damages. The editor of the “Felestin” pleaded that he had only criticised the Rutenberg concession. He produced cuttings from English newspapers, also criticising the Rutenberg concession. The court found that the criticisms in the “Felestin” did not constitute an illegal act, and acquitted the defendant. Mr. Sacher has lodged an appeal against the decision.
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