Press Complaints Commission: United Kingdom
The PCC is an independent self-regulatory body which deals with complaints about the editorial content of newspapers and magazines (and their websites). The Press Complaints Commission is charged with enforcing the Code of Practice which was framed by the newspaper and periodical industry and was ratified by the PCC in September 2009.
As it is clear that there was extensive coverage in the British media regarding the McCann's success in achieving a temporary ban on "The Truth of the Lie"; it is also apparent that there is now a responsibility by these same organisations to inform the British public about the Lisbon Appeals Court ruling overturning the ban on "The Truth of the Lie".
(NOTE: Please read the Code of Practice prior to making a formal complaint.)
The following excerpts from the Code of Practice are, in my opinion, relevant to complaints regarding the silence in the British media regarding the Lisbon Appeals Court Ruling. It cannot be said that editors are unaware of the development as numerous complaints to the editors have already been lodged.
1 ACCURACY
- i) The Press must take care not to publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted information, including pictures.
- ii) A significant inaccuracy, misleading statement or distortion once recognised must be corrected, promptly and with due prominence, and - where appropriate - an apology published.
- iii) The Press, whilst free to be partisan, must distinguish clearly between comment, conjecture and fact.
- A fair opportunity for reply to inaccuracies must be given when reasonably called for.
...
1. The public interest includes, but is not confined to:
- i) Detecting or exposing crime or serious impropriety.
- ii) Protecting public health and safety
- .iii) Preventing the public from being misled by an action or statement of an individual or organisation.
**************************************************************
E-mail: complaints@pcc.org.uk
Press Complaints Commission
Halton House
20/23 Holborn
London EC1N 2JD
Email: will.gore@pcc.org.uk
Available during office hours 9.00 to 5.30 Monday to Friday:
Helpline: 0845 600 2757 (a local rate call charge)
Scottish Helpline: 0131 220 6652 (a local rate call charge for those based in Scotland)
Welsh Helpline: 029 2039 5570 (a local rate call charge for those based in Wales)
Switchboard: 020 7831 0022
Textphone: 020 7831 0123
Facsimile: 020 7831 0025
Labels:
Gonçalo Amaral,
Madeleine McCann
Press Council of Ireland / Press Ombudsman: Complaints
Please feel free to use the information HERE should you decide to complain to the Irish Press Ombudsman regarding the apparent news blackout regarding the Lisbon Appeals Court decision to overturn the ban on "The Truth of the Lie".
Note that the Irish Examiner, the Irish Independent and the Irish News gave extensive coverage to the McCanns battle to censor "The Truth of the Lie". These three papers have not (to date) reported the ruling to overturn the ban. (Contact details are at the end of this post.)
Continue Reading...
Note that the Irish Examiner, the Irish Independent and the Irish News gave extensive coverage to the McCanns battle to censor "The Truth of the Lie". These three papers have not (to date) reported the ruling to overturn the ban. (Contact details are at the end of this post.)
***
(Please use "read more" for more info)
(Please use "read more" for more info)
Labels:
Gonçalo Amaral,
Madeleine McCann
Shameful censorship of the ruling of the Lisbon Appeals Court in the Amaral case
This list is a work in progress as I prepare to make formal complaints regarding the silence in the British and Irish Press related to the overturned ban on "The Truth of the Lie" by Gonçalo Amaral.
I thought the information might be helpful to others who are similarly bothered by this censorship and possibly also inclined to contact editors and/or the Press Complaints Commission.
Although there are other examples (I'm still collecting them), it is clear that the success of the McCanns in temporarily banning the book was reported in detail in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The same cannot be said for the Lisbon Appeals Court ruling to OVERTURN the decision to silence Dr. Amaral.
I've excerpted only enough text from each article to prove that they relate to the temporary ban on "Truth of the Lie". In my opinion, any news organisation that has covered the story to date has the responsibility to tell the entire story.
I'll try to keep this list current and will add any articles that belatedly inform the British / Irish public about the Lisbon Appeals Court ruling in favor of Dr. Gonçalo Amaral. I'll also add links to the (very few) news sites that have written about the October ruling, and you will see for yourself the outrageous spin involved in those. You may find the word count interesting - compare the words written about the temporary ban to the words written about the removal of that ban.
Is there a single unbiased, articulate journalist left in the UK? Is there even ONE with the integrity to provide an unbiased, non-emotive rendition of the FACTS about this case?
(Please note: I am adding many more articles as time allows...this is *far* from complete.)
Continue Reading...
I thought the information might be helpful to others who are similarly bothered by this censorship and possibly also inclined to contact editors and/or the Press Complaints Commission.
Although there are other examples (I'm still collecting them), it is clear that the success of the McCanns in temporarily banning the book was reported in detail in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The same cannot be said for the Lisbon Appeals Court ruling to OVERTURN the decision to silence Dr. Amaral.
I've excerpted only enough text from each article to prove that they relate to the temporary ban on "Truth of the Lie". In my opinion, any news organisation that has covered the story to date has the responsibility to tell the entire story.
I'll try to keep this list current and will add any articles that belatedly inform the British / Irish public about the Lisbon Appeals Court ruling in favor of Dr. Gonçalo Amaral. I'll also add links to the (very few) news sites that have written about the October ruling, and you will see for yourself the outrageous spin involved in those. You may find the word count interesting - compare the words written about the temporary ban to the words written about the removal of that ban.
Is there a single unbiased, articulate journalist left in the UK? Is there even ONE with the integrity to provide an unbiased, non-emotive rendition of the FACTS about this case?
(Please note: I am adding many more articles as time allows...this is *far* from complete.)
If you are interested, the list has been moved HERE.
Labels:
Gonçalo Amaral,
Madeleine McCann
Thoughts ...
After acquainting myself with everything I could learn about the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, trying to study the files released by the Portuguese PJ, watching video interviews, reading every news article I had time to read, I knew that there was something quite wrong with the story told by Madeleine's parents and their friends. So much has been already said about that, all over the internet there are people, like me, expressing the reasons why - there is no need to go into that here and now.
A long time ago I came to the conclusion that no legal punishment the McCanns could possibly face for their actions after their child "went missing" would be as traumatic as losing the daughter they loved. I believed they loved Madeleine. It is what they have done from May 2007 on that I have thought about and continue to think about every day and why I believe they must be held to account.
The McCanns and others aligned with them apparently determined that the way to exonerate themselves, to avoid the consequences for their actions, was to destroy a Truthteller, a man who would not turn his back on his lifelong commitment to justice, a man who would not cast aside his integrity. As I watched it take place, I even came to the point of wondering if they did love their children, if those happy family photos told the true story. Could they be capable of love and at the same time capable of intentionally ruining other people's lives? People they knew to be telling the truth when they knew they themselves were NOT telling the truth?
More for Dr. Amaral (and others they have attempted to destroy), than for the crimes related to Madeleine (crimes which I believe took place) I have waited, with many others, for justice to be done and for the McCanns and anyone else involved in the cover-up to their crimes be subjected to the strictest punishment possible.
Over the last three and a half years, I've watched it all, as have so many people from countries all around the world.
I saw a Portuguese professional lead an investigation into a little girl's disappearance. I watched him dedicate himself to solving a complicated case - working with a crime scene contaminated by the McCanns and their friends, being subjected to the immediate intervention of the British government, staying silent (as was his duty) when reporters and pundits insulted him, questioned his abilities, mocked his appearance.
Then I watched as, on his birthday, he was removed from the case - a transfer apparently known about by the British Prime Minister before Dr. Amaral himself was even informed of the action (the outrageous injustice, in my opinion).
This dignified professional, with over 20 years serving his countrymen, was not defended by those who led the organisation to which he had given his life. His career, up until that time, had been exemplary, and who stood up for him against the xenophobic British media who labeled him a "Keystone Kop"? Where were his superiors when the British headlines were screaming (inaccurately) that he was "fired"? Who among them stood up to defend him when reporters were calling him a "bumbler", "disgraced" or "inept"?
I saw a man who had conducted himself with quiet dignity and who chose to leave a career he loved, who stepped off the path he'd walked his entire life, because he refused to break the rules of the organisation he served by speaking out about the case - a man forced to leave his profession out of a commitment to the very thing that organisation was supposed to stand for - TRUTH and JUSTICE.
To speak the truth, this man made what had to have been an agonising decision...and yet, after watching him all this time, I believe it was the only decision he could make and remain true to all he had ever been.
So... he wrote the truth of the investigation. The "Truth of the Lie" is not vindictive in tone, it is not cruel or unkind. It is a factual account of the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, up until the time Dr. Amaral was removed from the helm of the inquiry.
It is the voice that had remained silent finally finding expression.
I applaud the Lisbon Appeals Court for overturning the decision to silence this man. Specifically, I applaud the Appeals Court judges, Francisco Bruto da Costa, Catarina Arelo Manso and António Valente for upholding the right of this Portuguese citizen, one who has served his country for so many years, with integrity and professionalism, to speak freely and to be heard by those of us all around the world who want to hear him.
***
To the Amarals, if by some chance you read this blog;
I want to thank you for your courage and the sacrifices you have ALL made. While many are celebrating the decision of the Lisbon court, I find myself filled with a deep sadness over what you have endured. My hope is that you will be fully vindicated and that the days ahead bring you peace and happiness as a family.
To you, Dr. Amaral, a personal note;
This world is full of many injustices, there are many people who suffer unfairly and many things that are impossible to accept without protest. This has been one of those things. I agree with the definition of a hero as being a person who faces adversity by choice, unselfishly, motivated by principles and a commitment to his fellow man. And you are that, Dr. Amaral. It is rarely I've ever been willing to call anyone a hero, but you are that to me. Thank you for helping me believe there is goodness in this world.
Para os Amarais, se por algum acaso você ler este blog;
Quero agradecer a você por sua coragem e os sacrifícios que todos têm feito. Enquanto muitos estão comemorando a decisão do tribunal de Lisboa, sinto-me cheio de uma tristeza profunda sobre o que você tem sofrido. Minha esperança é que você vai ser plenamente justificada e que os próximos dias lhe tragam paz e felicidade como uma família.
Para você, Dr. Amaral, uma nota pessoal;
Este mundo está cheio de muitas injustiças, há muitas pessoas que sofrem injustamente e muitas coisas que são impossíveis de aceitar, sem protestar. Esta foi uma dessas coisas. Concordo com a definição de um herói como sendo uma pessoa que enfrenta a adversidade pela escolha, desinteressadamente, motivados por princípios e um compromisso com seus semelhantes. E você é isso, Dr. Amaral. É raro que eu já estive disposto a chamar alguém um herói, mas você é que para mim. Obrigado por me ajudar a acreditar que existe bondade neste mundo.
Continue Reading...
A long time ago I came to the conclusion that no legal punishment the McCanns could possibly face for their actions after their child "went missing" would be as traumatic as losing the daughter they loved. I believed they loved Madeleine. It is what they have done from May 2007 on that I have thought about and continue to think about every day and why I believe they must be held to account.
The McCanns and others aligned with them apparently determined that the way to exonerate themselves, to avoid the consequences for their actions, was to destroy a Truthteller, a man who would not turn his back on his lifelong commitment to justice, a man who would not cast aside his integrity. As I watched it take place, I even came to the point of wondering if they did love their children, if those happy family photos told the true story. Could they be capable of love and at the same time capable of intentionally ruining other people's lives? People they knew to be telling the truth when they knew they themselves were NOT telling the truth?
More for Dr. Amaral (and others they have attempted to destroy), than for the crimes related to Madeleine (crimes which I believe took place) I have waited, with many others, for justice to be done and for the McCanns and anyone else involved in the cover-up to their crimes be subjected to the strictest punishment possible.
Over the last three and a half years, I've watched it all, as have so many people from countries all around the world.
I saw a Portuguese professional lead an investigation into a little girl's disappearance. I watched him dedicate himself to solving a complicated case - working with a crime scene contaminated by the McCanns and their friends, being subjected to the immediate intervention of the British government, staying silent (as was his duty) when reporters and pundits insulted him, questioned his abilities, mocked his appearance.
Then I watched as, on his birthday, he was removed from the case - a transfer apparently known about by the British Prime Minister before Dr. Amaral himself was even informed of the action (the outrageous injustice, in my opinion).
This dignified professional, with over 20 years serving his countrymen, was not defended by those who led the organisation to which he had given his life. His career, up until that time, had been exemplary, and who stood up for him against the xenophobic British media who labeled him a "Keystone Kop"? Where were his superiors when the British headlines were screaming (inaccurately) that he was "fired"? Who among them stood up to defend him when reporters were calling him a "bumbler", "disgraced" or "inept"?
I saw a man who had conducted himself with quiet dignity and who chose to leave a career he loved, who stepped off the path he'd walked his entire life, because he refused to break the rules of the organisation he served by speaking out about the case - a man forced to leave his profession out of a commitment to the very thing that organisation was supposed to stand for - TRUTH and JUSTICE.
To speak the truth, this man made what had to have been an agonising decision...and yet, after watching him all this time, I believe it was the only decision he could make and remain true to all he had ever been.
So... he wrote the truth of the investigation. The "Truth of the Lie" is not vindictive in tone, it is not cruel or unkind. It is a factual account of the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, up until the time Dr. Amaral was removed from the helm of the inquiry.
It is the voice that had remained silent finally finding expression.
I applaud the Lisbon Appeals Court for overturning the decision to silence this man. Specifically, I applaud the Appeals Court judges, Francisco Bruto da Costa, Catarina Arelo Manso and António Valente for upholding the right of this Portuguese citizen, one who has served his country for so many years, with integrity and professionalism, to speak freely and to be heard by those of us all around the world who want to hear him.
***
To the Amarals, if by some chance you read this blog;
I want to thank you for your courage and the sacrifices you have ALL made. While many are celebrating the decision of the Lisbon court, I find myself filled with a deep sadness over what you have endured. My hope is that you will be fully vindicated and that the days ahead bring you peace and happiness as a family.
To you, Dr. Amaral, a personal note;
This world is full of many injustices, there are many people who suffer unfairly and many things that are impossible to accept without protest. This has been one of those things. I agree with the definition of a hero as being a person who faces adversity by choice, unselfishly, motivated by principles and a commitment to his fellow man. And you are that, Dr. Amaral. It is rarely I've ever been willing to call anyone a hero, but you are that to me. Thank you for helping me believe there is goodness in this world.
Para os Amarais, se por algum acaso você ler este blog;
Quero agradecer a você por sua coragem e os sacrifícios que todos têm feito. Enquanto muitos estão comemorando a decisão do tribunal de Lisboa, sinto-me cheio de uma tristeza profunda sobre o que você tem sofrido. Minha esperança é que você vai ser plenamente justificada e que os próximos dias lhe tragam paz e felicidade como uma família.
Para você, Dr. Amaral, uma nota pessoal;
Este mundo está cheio de muitas injustiças, há muitas pessoas que sofrem injustamente e muitas coisas que são impossíveis de aceitar, sem protestar. Esta foi uma dessas coisas. Concordo com a definição de um herói como sendo uma pessoa que enfrenta a adversidade pela escolha, desinteressadamente, motivados por princípios e um compromisso com seus semelhantes. E você é isso, Dr. Amaral. É raro que eu já estive disposto a chamar alguém um herói, mas você é que para mim. Obrigado por me ajudar a acreditar que existe bondade neste mundo.
Labels:
Find Madeleine Fund,
Gonçalo Amaral,
Madeleine McCann
Will the British Media continue to suppress the truth?
Lisbon Appeals Court Ruling ENGLISH TRANSLATION
24 October 2010
Joana Morais Blog
Translation by "Astro"
Press Complaints Commission
Continue Reading...
24 October 2010
Joana Morais Blog
Translation by "Astro"
Definition of suppress:
"Keep from public knowledge by various means"
Press Complaints Commission
Labels:
2010,
BBC,
Gonçalo Amaral,
Madeleine McCann
Suppressing the truth: BBC
The BBC cannot claim to have not been unaware of the decision by the Appeals Court of Lisbon to lift the ban on "A Verdade da Mentira" / "Maddie – The Truth of the Lie".
They covered the litigation in depth and clearly reported the original banning of the book in a number of articles and videos.
Therefore there is simply no excuse for the BBC not informing the British public of the Appeals Court judges rulings to lift the ban on the book.
Not only has the ruling been reported in Portugal, internationally and in other British papers, citizens have also made numerous complaints to the BBC requesting an explanation for their silence in regard to the Appeals Court decision in favor of Goncalo Amaral.
Until such time the BBC informs its readers/viewers about current developments, it can only be concluded that the BBC is intentionally suppressing the truth and intentionally leading the British public to believe that Goncalo Amaral's book remains off the shelves.
There can be no other explanation for their silence regarding the Appeals Court decision.
The BBC have a public duty to impartially report FACTS. This is a clear violation of that duty.
***COVERAGE OF BOOK BANNING (EXAMPLES):***
17 May 2009
McCanns to sue Portuguese officer
12 January 2010
Video
McCanns in Portugal for book ban appeal
12 January 2010
Ex-Madeleine McCann detective seeks to lift book ban
14 January 2010
McCanns confident over Madeleine book court case
Video
18 February 2010
Madeleine McCann book appeal lost by detective
***COVERAGE OF THE LIFTING OF THE BAN:***
None to date
Should anyone wish to complain about this:
BBC Complaints
Press Complaints Commission
Continue Reading...
They covered the litigation in depth and clearly reported the original banning of the book in a number of articles and videos.
Therefore there is simply no excuse for the BBC not informing the British public of the Appeals Court judges rulings to lift the ban on the book.
Not only has the ruling been reported in Portugal, internationally and in other British papers, citizens have also made numerous complaints to the BBC requesting an explanation for their silence in regard to the Appeals Court decision in favor of Goncalo Amaral.
Until such time the BBC informs its readers/viewers about current developments, it can only be concluded that the BBC is intentionally suppressing the truth and intentionally leading the British public to believe that Goncalo Amaral's book remains off the shelves.
There can be no other explanation for their silence regarding the Appeals Court decision.
The BBC have a public duty to impartially report FACTS. This is a clear violation of that duty.
***COVERAGE OF BOOK BANNING (EXAMPLES):***
17 May 2009
McCanns to sue Portuguese officer
12 January 2010
Video
McCanns in Portugal for book ban appeal
12 January 2010
Ex-Madeleine McCann detective seeks to lift book ban
14 January 2010
McCanns confident over Madeleine book court case
Video
18 February 2010
Madeleine McCann book appeal lost by detective
***COVERAGE OF THE LIFTING OF THE BAN:***
None to date
Should anyone wish to complain about this:
BBC Complaints
Press Complaints Commission
Labels:
2010,
BBC,
Gonçalo Amaral,
Madeleine McCann
Spot the Spin Exercise
Kate pain on book
20 October 2010
The Sun
Note: This is the only article printed by the Sun that refers to the lifting of the ban on Goncalo Amaral's "Maddie: The Truth of the Lie". A grand total of 96 words, after the Sun had earlier published no less than 13,000 words related to the McCann's efforts to silence Amaral.
(Click "Read More" for the complete list)
Continue Reading...
20 October 2010
The Sun
The parents of Maddie McCann were furious yesterday after a Portuguese judge overturned a ban on a book claiming their daughter is dead.
Kate and Gerry McCann last year blocked disgraced Maddie hunt cop Goncalo Amaral publishing The Truth of the Lie.
But a Lisbon appeal court ruled the book can now be sold in Portugal.
The McCanns' lawyer Isabel Duarte said Kate, 41, told her: "That's incredible. I can't believe it is possible."
Amaral claimed the couple, of Rothley, Leics, faked the abduction of Maddie, three, in 2007.
Note: This is the only article printed by the Sun that refers to the lifting of the ban on Goncalo Amaral's "Maddie: The Truth of the Lie". A grand total of 96 words, after the Sun had earlier published no less than 13,000 words related to the McCann's efforts to silence Amaral.
(Click "Read More" for the complete list)
Labels:
2010,
Gonçalo Amaral,
Madeleine McCann
Spot the Spin Exercise
Madeleine McCann book ban overturned by Portuguese court
20 October 2010
Guardian Unlimited
Giles Tremlett
Appeal court lifts block on sales of book by former detective alleging Madeleine is dead and abduction story was fabricated
Kate and Gerry McCann, the parents of missing Madeleine, suffered a setback today in their legal battle with a Portuguese police officer when a Lisbon appeal court overturned a ban on his book about the case.
The book by former police detective Gonçalo Amaral, who led the Madeleine investigation in the first five months after the three-year-old's disappearance, can now go back on sale.
In September last year the McCanns obtained the ban on Amaral's book Maddie – The Truth about the Lie, in which he claims they were involved in the toddler's disappearance.
Amaral claims Madeleine died accidentally in the Algarve holiday apartment at Praia da Luz, where she was first reported missing in October 2007, and that her parents fabricated the abduction story. The McCanns, who have never ceased in their search for the missing girl, are suing him for defamation.
Portugal's attorney general, having reviewed the investigation, has ruled there is no evidence to suggest that the McCanns are anything other than entirely innocent. (Note: Untrue. They have never been declared innocent. The case is "shelved", not solved and the McCanns were NEVER cleared by the Portuguese authorities.)
The court said the decision to block sales of the book had broken "a constitutional and universal right: that of opinion and freedom of expression."
"The contents of the book do not breach the basic rights of the plaintiffs," the court said, according to the Jornal de Noticías newspaper's website.
"The book is an exercise in freedom of speech," Amaral told Portugal's Lusa news agency. "Portuguese democracy has won, as banning the book was unconstitutional."
A spokesman for the McCann family said the decision did not stop the defamation case. "The defamation action against Mr Amaral is very much continuing," he said. "Kate and Gerry's lawyers are now examining the detail of this latest ruling and are considering an appeal."
After Amaral lost an earlier appeal, the McCanns claimed his book had caused "significant, ongoing damage to the search for our beloved daughter Madeleine and to the rights of our family ... there is no evidence that Madeleine has come to any harm."
They added: "As painful and personally damaging as the slanderous claims of Mr Amaral and his supporters have been to us and our family, our primary focus has always been, and always will be, to find Madeleine through our own best investigative efforts."
Continue Reading...
20 October 2010
Guardian Unlimited
Giles Tremlett
Appeal court lifts block on sales of book by former detective alleging Madeleine is dead and abduction story was fabricated
Kate and Gerry McCann, the parents of missing Madeleine, suffered a setback today in their legal battle with a Portuguese police officer when a Lisbon appeal court overturned a ban on his book about the case.
The book by former police detective Gonçalo Amaral, who led the Madeleine investigation in the first five months after the three-year-old's disappearance, can now go back on sale.
In September last year the McCanns obtained the ban on Amaral's book Maddie – The Truth about the Lie, in which he claims they were involved in the toddler's disappearance.
Amaral claims Madeleine died accidentally in the Algarve holiday apartment at Praia da Luz, where she was first reported missing in October 2007, and that her parents fabricated the abduction story. The McCanns, who have never ceased in their search for the missing girl, are suing him for defamation.
Portugal's attorney general, having reviewed the investigation, has ruled there is no evidence to suggest that the McCanns are anything other than entirely innocent. (Note: Untrue. They have never been declared innocent. The case is "shelved", not solved and the McCanns were NEVER cleared by the Portuguese authorities.)
The court said the decision to block sales of the book had broken "a constitutional and universal right: that of opinion and freedom of expression."
"The contents of the book do not breach the basic rights of the plaintiffs," the court said, according to the Jornal de Noticías newspaper's website.
"The book is an exercise in freedom of speech," Amaral told Portugal's Lusa news agency. "Portuguese democracy has won, as banning the book was unconstitutional."
A spokesman for the McCann family said the decision did not stop the defamation case. "The defamation action against Mr Amaral is very much continuing," he said. "Kate and Gerry's lawyers are now examining the detail of this latest ruling and are considering an appeal."
After Amaral lost an earlier appeal, the McCanns claimed his book had caused "significant, ongoing damage to the search for our beloved daughter Madeleine and to the rights of our family ... there is no evidence that Madeleine has come to any harm."
They added: "As painful and personally damaging as the slanderous claims of Mr Amaral and his supporters have been to us and our family, our primary focus has always been, and always will be, to find Madeleine through our own best investigative efforts."
Labels:
2010,
Gonçalo Amaral,
Madeleine McCann
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