US conspiracy theorists fined nearly $1 billion

For years he has spread falsehoods about a massacre that left 20 dead: now the American conspiracy theorist Alex Jones (48) has to pay a total of $965 million (equivalent to Swiss francs 963 million) to the next of kin. That was decided by a court in the US state of Connecticut on Wednesday (local time), as US media consistently reported from the courtroom in Waterbury.

The founder of the right-wing website Infowars has claimed for years that the December 2012 massacre was staged by actors. A 20-year-old man shot and killed 20 schoolchildren and six teachers in Newtown, Connecticut, on the East Coast.

Survivors testify in tears

The lawsuit was brought by relatives of five children and three teachers who were killed in the massacre. An FBI agent who was one of the first responders on the scene also joined the lawsuit.

According to media reports, parents and siblings of the victims tearfully testified at the trial of how they had been threatened and harassed for years by people who believed the lies of right-wing radio host Jones’ show. Strangers came to their homes to film them. They were also showered with insulting comments on social media.

The daughter of the murdered headmistress, Erica Lafferty, described in the trial how strangers sent her threats of rape.

Jones’ solvency unclear

According to the US media, the fine of US$965 million stems from the damages paid to the 15 claimants.

The jury awarded them various amounts based on their testimonies and other evidence presented in court. In August, a Texas court awarded nearly $50 million in damages to the parents of another child who was murdered.

How much Jones can actually pay is unclear. In April, the website he founded filed for bankruptcy. Jones is expected to appeal Wednesday’s decision. He also faces another libel case related to the school massacre.

Defendant also promoted 9/11 conspiracy theories

Jones had repeatedly spread various conspiracy theories, claiming, for example, that the US government was involved in the September 11, 2001 attacks in New York. He also supported former US President Donald Trump (76) false claim that he lost the 2020 presidential election solely because of massive voter fraud. Jones also had to testify before the Commission of Inquiry about the storming of the US Capitol.

After the decision on Wednesday, survivor Lafferty said the verdict gave her hope. “There will be more Alex Joneses in this world, but what they learned today is that they will definitely be held accountable.” (SDA)