Why staying within the law is not censorship

Since the story of the collapse of Derby Hippodrome broke on Friday, we have had more than 500 comments by users of our website.
Of course, we are delighted by this. It is great that our stories provoke such a reaction.
But with comment boxes come dangers. The words within them must adhere to the libel and contempt laws. If they don't, it won't be anonymous posters who are chased by lawyers - it will be the Evening Telegraph.
They must also keep within the boundaries of taste which are adopted by the newspaper.
Thus, this weekend, many posts on the subject of Derby Hippodrome have been removed.
That means these posts were considered potentially libellous, insulting or abusive.
In return for their removal, we have been accused of censorship by some users, while others have DEMANDED their right to free speech.
It is an interesting demand. One, which apparently comes with the right to anonymity and the right to commit libel in the name of the Derby Evening Telegraph.
We provide the comment boxes as a free service. They are a way of stimulating debate or paying tribute. They are not a vehicle to break the law or to insult people.
And we make no apology for removing some comments nor do we apologise for blocking persistent offenders.