Moira Deeming defamation trial: MP accused of Nazi sympathies in court

The defamation trial involving Moira Deeming, a former Liberal MP, centers around accusations made by Victoria's opposition leader, John Pesutto, who allegedly portrayed her as a Nazi sympathiser. This portrayal followed her participation in a rally in March 2023 that was disrupted by neo-Nazis. Deeming's legal team argues that Pesutto's actions were an attempt to force her resignation from the Liberal party, which has led to significant instability within the party. During the trial, Deeming's barrister, Sue Chrysanthou SC, contended that Pesutto's legal team would incorrectly assert that Deeming had a poor reputation prior to the incident. Chrysanthou presented text messages between Pesutto and former Liberal MP Louise Staley, indicating Pesutto's intent to expel Deeming from the party after the rally. The court heard that Pesutto had drafted a press release indicating Deeming's resignation shortly after the rally, suggesting a premeditated effort to remove her from the party. He admitted to conveying negative implications about Deeming's associations with individuals linked to neo-Nazism and white supremacy, which he claimed justified his actions. Pesutto plans to defend himself using arguments of honest opinion, contextual truth, public interest, and qualified privilege. The trial, expected to last three weeks, is poised to reveal deeper issues within the Liberal party and the implications of political discourse surrounding sensitive topics such as extremism and women's rights.