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CNN found to be liable for defaming a U.S. Navy Veteran who helped evacuate people from Afghanistan

Posted to Maritime Reporter on January 17, 2025

A Florida jury found CNN liable on Friday for defaming an American Navy veteran who assisted in the evacuation of people from Afghanistan following the U.S. withdrawal from the country.

The jury ruled that CNN must pay damages in the amount of $5 million. The second phase of trial will determine punitive damages.

A six-person juror delivered the verdict after a two week trial at a Florida state court in Panama City.

Zachary Young, a plaintiff in 2022, sued CNN for destroying his reputation during a segment of "The Lead With Jake Tapper". He claimed that CNN had branded him as an exploiter who charged exorbitant amounts to desperate Afghans.

CNN stood behind its story, denying that Young was defamed. However, the network admitted in March 2022 it regretted the use of the term "black-market" to describe Young’s work. Jack Queen, New York reporter

(source: Reuters)

Tags: Asia North America

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