In a legal battle marked by twists and turns, a recent ruling by the Georgia Court of Appeals has delivered a thrilling conclusion to the defamation lawsuit brought by surgeon Armin Oskouei against Atlanta-area defense attorney Zach Matthews. The court has determined that Matthews’ comments to opposing counsel regarding Oskouei, a doctor previously prohibited from performing surgeries, were protected under Georgia law, ultimately shutting down the surgeon’s case.
Unanimous Decision Favors Defense Attorney
A three-judge panel reached a unanimous decision, asserting that Oskouei’s claims of libel and slander against Matthews could not stand. Matthews, a partner at the prominent Atlanta-based law firm McMickle Kurey & Branch LLP, saw his attempt to dismiss the doctor’s case under Georgia’s anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) free speech law vindicated by the court.
Good Faith Remarks in Legal Context
Writing on behalf of the court, Judge Todd Markle argued that Matthews’ comments about Oskouei were made in good faith and were rooted in an underlying legal dispute. Matthews had cited a cease-and-desist order issued by the Georgia Department of Community Health, which had previously barred Oskouei’s surgery center from conducting orthopedic surgeries. Matthews’ comments were made during private settlement communications with opposing counsel and were limited in scope and audience.
