Judge dismisses Noriega’s lawsuit against Activision & Call of Duty

The former military Panamanian dictator, who in 1989 was removed from his position by a US invasion in his home country, got his case dismissed by California judge William H. Fahey of the Los Angeles Superior Court.

Manuel Noriega took Activision to court in July 2014 because of his negative depiction and portrayal in the videogame Call of Duty: Black Ops as an kidnapper and enemy of the state. However, the judge decided the case against Activision had no merit and dismissed it.

“This ruling is an important victory and we thank the court for protecting free speech,” mentioned Rudy Giuliani (former mayor of New York City and partner of Bracewell & Giuliani LLP) representing Activision. “This was an absurd lawsuit from the very beginning and we’re gratified that in the end, a notorious criminal didn’t win. This is not just a win for the makers of Call of Duty, but is a victory for works of art across the entertainment and publishing industries throughout the world.”

[Source]: Activision: Oct. 28, 2014 Press Release.