After five long years, the legal battle between Gunns and its vocal critics has finally ended, with the company agreeing to settle with the last four of the so-called “Gunns20” out of court. Gunns agreed to pay $155,088 to defendants to settle. The settlement ends a bitter legal stoush that started in 2004 as an action for damages against 20 people and organisations that had protested against or criticised Gunns’ operations in Tasmania, particularly its logging of native forests.
The case had been heavily criticised as an aggressive form of “SLAPP” writ. SLAPP writs, or strategic litigation against public participation, are civil complaints or counterclaims which are made with the intention of intimidating and silencing individuals or organisations who voice issues of public interest or concern.
From EDO Vic Bulletin
