ATTORNEY at Law Hukumchand yesterday filed a lawsuit for libel against Kaieteur News, in excess of $100M, on behalf of Minister of Housing and Water, Irfaan Ali. Also,an injunction has been granted by Justice Diane Insanally, barring the media house from publishing any defamatory articles about the Housing and Water Minister.
Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle last evening, Minister Ali’s attorney sought to give an overview of the case against the media house, noting that he is suing for $100M in damages, and $20M in punitive or exemplary damages.
The parties are expected to return to court for a hearing on January 19.
Minister Ali has denounced the sensational front page story in the Kaieteur News, captioned ‘After two years as Minister… Irfaan Ali builds mansion with pool house’, on January 1, 2012.
Minister Ali pointed out that the “wicked, devious and sensational” report by the Kaieteur News is nothing more than a personal attack which has now left him and his family exposed to security and other threats.
It is on this basis that Minister Ali has sought legal action against Kaieteur News.