Anas Defamation: Damages Award Reduction Is a Resounding Legal Vindication- Kennedy Agyapong
Former lawmaker, Kennedy Agyapong, says the decision by a US court to reduce the earlier awarded $18 million damages against him to $500 is a resounding legal vindication.
On Monday, the Court granted a motion for remittitur filed by Mr. Agyapong’s legal team, which argued that the original jury award was grossly excessive.
After a judicial review, the presiding judge agreed, describing the $18 million in damages as disproportionate and legally unsustainable.
According to the politician, the US Federal Court’s ruling is a “significant legal victory”.
“The court’s decision to reduce the amount to a nominal $500 represents not only a resounding legal vindication but also a reaffirmation of Mr. Agyapong’s long-standing belief in justice, fairness, and the right to speak truth to power.”
He appreciated the support of his well-wishers in the legal battle as he reiterated his commitment to integrity.
“He reaffirms his commitment to upholding the values of integrity, bold leadership, and dedicated service to the Ghanaian people, vowing never to relent in his efforts to defend truth and accountability in public life.”
In reaction to the development, investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas held that the fight has not been about the money, but rather, a fight for truth and justice.
“I am happy that not a single allegation was proven against me in court when Kennedy Agyapong was given full opportunity to substantiate.”
Background
The investigative journalist went to court after Kennedy, in a broadcast, accused him of being a criminal and a thief. He also accused him of murdering Ahmed Suale and several Chinese nationals in Ghana.
These statements were on the back of the airing of the BBC documentary on corruption, “Betraying the Game,” on October 28, 2018.
Anas first went to the Accra High Court but failed to secure a favourable ruling a year ago. His GH¢25 million defamation suit was dismissed by Justice Eric Baah, who went on to label the former a “blackmailer, corrupt, an extortionist, and evil”.
He then proceeded to the Essex County Superior Court, where he sought $5 million in presumed damages, $10 million in special damages, $5 million in actual damages, $10 million in punitive damages, and a restraining order against the defendant.
An eight-member jury on March 17 unanimously found Kennedy liable for defamation, awarding damages of 18 million U.S. dollars.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
