The Criminal Division of the Court of First Instance (Press Misdemeanors), presided over by Judge Mohammed Al-Khalaf, alongside Judges Meteb Al-Araidi and Ahmed Omran, with Secretary Ahmed Ali, issued a verdict acquitting the Editor-in-Chief of a local daily newspaper from charges of defamation and slander against a former chairman of a holding company. The Public Prosecution had accused the Editor-in-Chief of publishing false news with the intent to demean the complainant's dignity, based on the complaint lodged by the complainant with the Public Prosecution.
The case revolved around the complaint filed by the former chairman, alleging that the Editor-in-Chief had published an article containing false information aimed at damaging the complainant's reputation and standing.
Representing the Editor-in-Chief, lawyer Khaled Harbi Al-Saadi from Abdulhamid Al-Sarraf Law Firm argued in court, asserting the maliciousness of the charges and requesting his client’s acquittal. He based his defense on Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of the press and publication in accordance with the law.
He also referenced Court of Cassation ruling No. 267 of 2006, which protects expressions made in defense of the public interest. He submitted a memorandum supporting his legal arguments to refute the allegations.
The court ultimately ruled in favor of the defendant, acquitting him of all charges, dismissing the civil case, and ordering the plaintiff to pay legal costs and attorney's fees.
https://www.annaharkw.com/annahar/Article.aspx?id=276752
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