Lakes State Governor to sue newspaper for defamation ArticleComments (4). Email PrintSave --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 28, 2011 (JUBA/RUMBEK) – In response to reports that he embezzled US$27m and wired it directly to Kenya, the governor of Lakes state has resolved to take legal action against Al Shuruk television, saying the Egyptian-based independent media not only defamed him, but further tarnished his image. Governor of Lakes state, Chol Tong Mayay (ST)In December 2010, Al Shuruk broadcast a report alleging that the Governor Chol Tong Mayay got hold of the US$27m, from member of the Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) Diaspora and that he later transferred the money to Nairobi, Kenya. The same allegation, according to a 10 December 2010 statement, issued by the state government, was further published by various media outlets within Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, specifically citing Alwan newspaper in its 29 November 2010 edition. Speaking at a press conference in Juba, the South Sudan capital, Mayay maintained his innocence, arguing that his legal team, led by advocate, Hanadi Alrasheed remains set for a legal battle in Juba high court, where the case has been filed. The case is before Justice Dhuria Dhara. “This matter has been a disadvantage for my political career. All I can tell you is that this allegation of smuggling $27m into a foreign country is a baseless allegation and we are determined to pursue the matter further until the truth comes out,” a confident looking Mayay told journalists. Al Shuruk, according to one of the Governor’s lawyers, acted contrary to Section 229 of South Sudan’s penal code. Asked why it took him so long to file the case, the Governor said, “We filed the case sometime back, but as you are aware, these cases go through several procedures within the ministry of legal and constitutional development.” Hearing of the case, Sudan Tribune has learned, will take immediate effect, while the Lakes State Governor remains optimistic that victory for him is certain. (ST) -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "JFD info" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/jfdinfo?hl=en.
