Jennifer Marohasy

a forum for the discussion of issues concerning the natural environment

New York Times to Defend Indonesian Mining Lawsuit

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“Jakarta (ANTARA News) – The New York Times said Thursday it would “vigorously” defend legal action against the newspaper lodged this week in an Indonesian court by [Richard Ness] an executive of the US mining giant Newmont…

“Over the past few years, The Times has devoted significant resources to covering the social, political and environmental impact of large-scale mining by Newmont and other companies around the world,” it said in a statement sent to AFP.

“We think this is an important global story for our readers, and our coverage of Newmont has been fair and accurate. We plan to defend the suit vigorously,” it said.

Read the complete article here: http://www.antara.co.id/en/arc/2007/5/18/new-york-times-to-defend-indonesian-mining-lawsuit/

I haven’t seen The New York Times acknowledge the law suit in its own paper – yet?

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lamna nasus says

    Hi Jen,

    Could you clarify something for readers, Mr Ness an American citizen working for an American company is sueing an American Paper.. in Indonesia. I know the recent court case involving Mr Ness took place in Indonesia but why is the new legal action?

  2. Jennifer says

    Hi Lamna

    Rick has emailed me:

    “Part of the answer is that this is where I live, the court house is 15 minutes from my house and this is where the evidence and witnesses are.

    While I did not think the investigation and procescution were correct in the Buyat case, the district court was very profesional.

    I have been involved in other disputes in District Court in Indonesia over the years and my personal experience has been one of fairness.”

  3. Schiller Thurkettle says

    A verdict against the New York Times in the District Court in Indonesia would go a long, long way towards restoring trust in the Indonesian system of justice.

    Crappy justice systems have a negative influence on social welfare and capital investment.

    With this case, Indonesia could redeem itself as a good place to do business, and who knows? The “poor villagers” might not only have real jobs, but health care, and even–gosh! regular food supplies from grocery stores like the rest of us.

    I’d like to see Ness sue the Times in a US forum, too, but suing in Indonesia is a master stroke of genius.

    I hope he gets every last penny he’s asking for.