In the UK, even the truth isn't a sufficient defense for libel or slander.

The fact that you can't speak the 100% truth, and not get sued there is quite disgusting. The truth should always be permitted speech.

Is this still true, post Defamation Act 2013?

This is actually the norm throughout the world.

The law doesn't give a shit about truth but it only cares about keeping thing running smoothly as they currently are.

Same in many EU countries. Poland and Germany are two examples. For example if someone robs you (or do worse things to you) and you call them out publicly you can be liable if you can't prove it happened.

In practice the law defends the offenders. You can't speak up if you don't have a hard proof. I think it's ridiculous but so is a lot of civil law. Americans often don't appreciate how well they have it in comparison.

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