Usmanov Wins Lawsuit Against German Newspaper | Russia Oligarch News

A German newspaper, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ), faces potential legal repercussions following a court ruling that deemed several of its claims about Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov to be false. The case, stemming from a 2023 article titled “Im Auftrag des Kremls” (“In the Name of the Kremlin”), centers on allegations concerning Usmanov’s financial dealings and political influence.

Claims Disputed in Court

Usmanov’s representatives contested assertions made in the FAZ article that he used his wealth “in the interests of or on behalf of the Kremlin.” The newspaper’s reporting also alleged Usmanov unofficially represented Russian government interests in Uzbekistan and interfered with the editorial policy of the Russian newspaper Kommersant after its acquisition in 2006. These claims were specifically identified as false by the court.

Navaļnija’s Allegations Also Targeted

The court’s ruling extends to two claims originating from Alexei Navalny, a Russian opposition leader. One claim alleged Usmanov “gifted” property to entities linked to Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian Prime Minister and President, as compensation for concealing Usmanov’s business dealings related to “Gazprom.” The second claim asserted Usmanov acquired assets from “Gazprom Investholding” in 2002 through a controlled company, effectively “selling state property to himself.”

Did You Know? The court could impose a fine of up to 250,000 euros for each violation of the ruling.

Usmanov’s lawyer, Joachim Steinhöfel, stated the prohibited claims “substantially repeat” elements used to justify sanctions imposed on Usmanov by the European Union (EU). Steinhöfel further argued the court’s decision suggests the EU’s justification for sanctions is based on “a collection of defamatory, unfounded and therefore unlawful allegations.”

Implications for Sanctions

The legal team representing Usmanov emphasized that Navalny’s claims were, in part, utilized as the basis for the sanctions against him. This ruling could potentially lead to scrutiny of the evidence used to justify those sanctions.

Expert Insight: This legal outcome highlights the complexities surrounding the use of allegations as justification for international sanctions. The ruling doesn’t necessarily invalidate the sanctions themselves, but it does raise questions about the evidentiary basis upon which they were initially imposed and could prompt further legal challenges.

Should FAZ publish the disputed claims again, it faces a substantial financial penalty. It is possible the ruling will encourage further legal challenges to the basis of sanctions against Usmanov. Analysts expect further debate regarding the standards of evidence required for imposing such measures. A possible next step could involve a review of the EU sanctions framework itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific claims were deemed false?

The court found false the claims that Usmanov used his wealth for the Kremlin’s benefit, acted as an unofficial representative in Uzbekistan, interfered with Kommersant’s editorial policy, “gifted” property to Medvedev-linked entities, and “sold state property to himself” through “Gazprom Investholding.”

Who brought the case against FAZ?

The case was brought by representatives of Alisher Usmanov, who contested the claims made in the FAZ article.

What is the potential financial consequence for FAZ?

FAZ could face a fine of up to 250,000 euros for each instance of publishing the prohibited claims.

How might this ruling affect future reporting on individuals subject to sanctions?