Article 614 — Truthful Assertions and safeguarding of Higher

Interest Excepted. (1) A person charged with defamation cannot in general plead in defence that he acted without intent to injure, or that he confined himself to repeating even though not believing them, allegations emanating from another, or that it was a matter of common knowledge, or that he uttered suspicions or conjectures. (2) Where the criminal commits the act by uttering or expressing the truth, or having sufficient ground to believe that it is true, he shall not be liable to punishment if he can prove that a) he did not have the intention to injure the honour or reputation of another; or b) he acted in the public interest or he was actuated by a higher interest or moral aim. (3) Where the criminal is convicted of calumny, he may in no case exculpate himself by invoking public or higher interest.