The NUJ is calling on members to write to the Chief Executive of Tesco to condemn a libel action against two Thai journalists and The Guardian.
A former MP and a business journalist face prison sentences and £18m in damages after criticising the supermarket’s aggressive plans for expansion in the country. Tesco also issued a libel and malicious falsehood writ against the Guardian, following an article about Tesco tax practices.
NUJ General Secretary, Jeremy Dear, said: “Tesco's bid to silence its critics should be vigorously opposed by all those who believe in freedom of expression. The chilling effect of such actions would be to deny the public the right to know about the practices of major corporations."
“We are asking members to stand up for freedom of speech and not allow companies to use the threat of libel action as a way of controlling the media.”
The NUJ parliamentary group will be tabling an early day motion condemning the company's actions.
Click here to send a model email to Tesco.
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