FRIVOLOUS DEFAMATION SUIT FILED BY EICHLER
07*24*08
Paul Sielski
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Marvin L. Stewart
President
(562) 221-1820
Daniel F. Lula, Esq.
(949) 851-1100
| Frivolous Defamation Suit Filed by Steven Eichler Against Patriots Deborah Courtney and Paul Sielski Stricken; Orange County Superior Court Finds Their Special Motion “Meritorious” |  EICHLER |
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Santa Ana, Calif. – July 24, 2008 – The Orange County Superior Court today struck Steven Eichler’s defamation suit against Minutemen Deborah Courtney and Paul Sielski as a “strategic lawsuit against public participation.” Judge Kirk Nakamura permitted ample oral argument by both sides, and then granted the defendants’ motion, putting an end to Eichler’s frivolous suit against them.
Deborah Courtney is a member of the board of directors of Minuteman Project, Inc. and serves as the corporation’s treasurer. Paul Sielski is executive director of the corporation. Both have been embroiled in a dispute with Minuteman Project founder Jim Gilchrist regarding alleged financial irregularities within this high-profile nonprofit corporation.
On April 25, 2008, Gilchrist’s associate Eichler filed this defamation suit against Courtney and Sielski, as well as fellow patriots Barbara Coe, Chelene Nightingale of Save Our State, Brook Young of Immigration Watchdog, and Marvin Stewart of the Minuteman Project. Eichler claimed that the defendants had somehow “defamed” him by speaking out about his role in Gilchrist’s actions – especially Gilchrist’s transfer of the assets of the Minuteman Project corporation to a new corporation titled, “Jim Gilchrist’s Minuteman Project,” without board knowledge or approval.
Under the relevant law, defendants Courtney and Sielski are entitled to an award of the attorneys’ fees and costs they incurred in defending themselves against Eichler’s meritless suit.
The other defendants remain in the case; however, it is anticipated that most if not all will shortly file similar motions to strike. These defendants, too, expect to win and to be awarded their fees and costs.
The vindictive and retributive behavior against fellow patriots by Gilchrist and Eichler is deeply disturbing to many in the anti-illegal immigration movement. Today’s ruling should be heeded by them as a warning to engage others on the issues, not attempt to use litigation to squelch freedom and dissent.
The Minuteman Project was founded in early 2005 to secure America’s borders by means of civilian volunteer observers. Incorporated in mid-2005 as a Delaware nonprofit corporation, the Minuteman Project is governed by a board of directors under applicable law.
Best Regards,
Paul E. Sielski Sr.
Paul@Sielski.org
714-508-5789
Paul Seilski,
THE Wake Up America