Former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, was captured in Essex County Superior Courtroom in New Jersey, United States, the place a jury awarded $18 million in defamation damages towards him in favour of investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas.
A video of the courtroom proceedings on Tuesday, 18 March, reveals the previous lawmaker sporting a lightweight blue and white striped Lacoste shirt, wanting involved because the jury delivered its verdict.
Additionally current in courtroom was Anas, who, not like his common masked disguise, was seen in a gray shirt with a heavy beard and dreadlocks, believed to be prosthetics to hide his look.
In the meantime, the jury’s verdict has sparked combined reactions on social media.
The Verdict
In a unanimous determination, the eight-member jury discovered Mr Agyapong liable for defamation over comments he made on The Daddy Present, hosted by US-based Ghanaian presenter Frederick Asamoah.
Presided over by Honourable Choose Jeffrey B. Beacham, the case noticed Mr Agyapong take the stand alongside his brother, Ralph Agyapong.
The previous lawmaker reportedly launched audiovisual proof underneath the title Who Watches the Watchman and cited a Ghanaian courtroom ruling in his defence.
Nonetheless, regardless of these efforts, the case was totally ready and introduced by Anas’s authorized group, led by Andrew Deheer, Esq. The jury finally delivered an 8-0 verdict on each depend towards Mr Agyapong, who was current in courtroom.
In the meantime, studies point out that Mr Agyapong’s attorneys have filed for a mistrial, with a remaining ruling anticipated within the coming weeks.
Anas’ Response
Reacting to the ruling in a press release, Anas emphasised the significance of holding politicians accountable for his or her feedback towards media personnel. He wrote:
Immediately’s end result sends a robust message, significantly to Ghanaian politicians: you can’t take the media as a right. The press performs an indispensable position in scrutinising energy and holding leaders accountable, and any try and undermine this important perform will likely be met with resolute resistance.
He additional expressed gratitude to his attorneys and supporters forward of the ultimate dedication by the courtroom.
