Rabbi Launches Legal Action against Sex Abuse Victims" Advocate
By Shannon Deery
ONE of Victoria's most senior Jewish figures questioned over allegations of child sexual abuse has launched legal action against the head of a victims' advocacy group. In a writ lodged in the Victorian Supreme Court this week, Rabbi Abraham Glick accuses victims’ advocate Manny Waks of defaming him in a series of online articles and Facebook posts. Rabbi Glick has alleged Mr Waks published articles that falsely implied he had perjured himself in court, was guilty of child sexual abuse and had admitted to abusing children. Rabbi Glick, the former principal of prestigious Jewish school Yeshivah College, was stood down last week after allegations he raped a student in the school’s synagogue were levelled at him. The student claimed he was raped and made to perform lewd acts on the Rabbi, who was then deputy principal at Yeshivah College, in the 1980s. After the allegations were made to police, Rabbi Glick voluntarily attended a police station and was questioned. It was the first time he had been accused of sexual misconduct and he has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. Following his questioning, Rabbi Glick was released without charge pending further police inquiries. In a statement of claim filed with the court, Rabbi Glick claims he was defamed by articles posted by Mr Waks following his questioning by police. The articles were posted on Mr Waks’ personal Facebook page and on websites he runs as the founder and CEO of victim support group Tzedek. The claim alleges Mr Waks posted false imputations and selective material for the purpose of sensationalising his campaign against child sexual abuse at the expense of Rabbi Glick. "The defendant invited comment to be published on the website and Facebook pages, which led to a torrent of abuse and defamatory statements," the statement of claim said. It is alleged Mr Waks failed to properly screen, block publication of or remove defamatory comments left by visitors to his site. “As a result of the publication of each of the online articles and postings…the plaintiff has been severely injured in his reputation as a practicing Rabbi, educator in the State of Victoria and as a responsible member of the community,” a statement of claim alleges. The Rabbi claims he was “brought into hatred, contempt and ridicule”. He has claimed aggravated damages, interest and costs. Both Mr Waks and Rabbi Glick were unavailable for comment. Contact: Shannon.deery@news.com.au
|
.
Any original material on these pages is copyright © BishopAccountability.org 2004. Reproduce freely with attribution.