Federal Court Case Against Journalist Mary Kostakidis Discontinued by Consent

Quick Brief
Federal court proceedings initiated by the Zionist Federation of Australia against journalist Mary Kostakidis have been formally discontinued. The lawsuit alleged that the former newsreader breached the Racial Discrimination Act by sharing social media posts. Both parties agreed to end the case with no order as to costs.
What Happened?
Legal proceedings brought by the Zionist Federation of Australia against journalist Mary Kostakidis concluded after being discontinued "by consent" with "no order as to costs." The federation had accused the former SBS newsreader of violating the Racial Discrimination Act by sharing two posts on the social media platform X in January 2024 concerning a speech by the late Hezbollah secretary general Hassan Nasrallah.
Why It Matters
The case highlights ongoing legal and public tensions regarding speech on social media platforms surrounding Middle Eastern figures and conflicts, as well as the application of the Racial Discrimination Act in Australia.
Key Facts
- Federal court proceedings brought by the Zionist Federation of Australia against journalist Mary Kostakidis have ended.
- The case was discontinued "by consent" with "no order as to costs."
- The lawsuit accused the former SBS newsreader of breaching the Racial Discrimination Act.
- The allegations stemmed from two X posts shared in January 2024 regarding a speech by the late Hezbollah secretary general Hassan Nasrallah.
Compiled from 1 outlet
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