Refugee Activist Appeals Dutton’s $35,000 Defamation Case Victory

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton addresses the National Press Club in Canberra, Australia on Nov. 26, 2021. AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Refugee activist Shane Bazzi will be appealing a court ruling that found he defamed then-Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton when he wrote the words: “Peter Dutton is a rape apologist” on Twitter.

The defamation victory for Dutton—current defence minister—saw Bazzi ordered to pay AU$35,000 and some legal costs.