Director of Public Prosecution Noordin Haji has written to standard media group to make an apology over a story they published in their newspaper.
Through a press release, Haji stated that the story which appeared on the front page captioned “DPP’s Italy trip links four CSs firms given plum projects” was wrong in terms of where the writer got the information from.
I note with utmost dismay and concern that the author of the story alleges to have obtained the information from a member of team which is described as the Multi-Agency Team (MAT) comprising of the EACC, AG, DPP, DCI and Asset Recovery Agency (ARA).
While a visit was made to Italy by the ODPP, none of the alleged members of MAT, accompanied the DPP,” read a part of the statement.
Haji further noted that it was unprofessional of the local daily to do a story without seeking clarification from him.
“I wish to confirm to the public that I am not privy to the alleged information and the article is therefore grossly untrue,” remarked Haji.
The apology according to the DPP, should be published immediately by the editors or they would face consequences.
“Consequently, I demand a public apology from the Editors of the concerned media house and the apology should be published immediately failure to which, I shall have no option but to take appropriate legal action,” warned the DPP.
According to the Standard Group owned newspaper, CMC di Rivera, an Italian company, that is one of the companies in the multi-billion Arror scandal, was claimed to be owned by one of the CSs being monitored by the public prosecutor.