Lawyers defending incarcerated Cameroonian journalist, Paul Chouta have debunked some assertions made by writer, Calixthe Beyala.
Recently, Calixthe spoke on an RFI radio program where she said she was not responsible for the pressman’s continuous stay in jail.
She also noted that she was not the only one suing the journalist, thus his prolonged court case and stay behind bars has more than meets the eyes.
Paul Chouta’s lawyers have, however, denied her utterances, accusing her of ruining their client’s reputation.
“Her comments on the dispute with our client are not only defamatory, but seriously undermine the presumption of innocence of our client,” the lawyers noted in a statement.
Calixthe, “… contrary to her statements never withdrew her complaint…”.
The writer, they added, would have confronted Paul Chouta before court sessions, a thing she never did.
Also, they stated, “She never testified before the Tribunal”.
“A radio broadcasting channel is not a judicial body,” they noted, adding that the writer’s declarations made on the show would not distract them from their goal.
Their client, they warned, “reserves the right” to initiate legal procedures against Mrs. Beyala, in view of restoring honor and dignity.
Paul who remains in jail as his case lingers for 23 months now would appear in court tomorrow for another hearing.
Not only has his case suffered several adjournments, but French writer, Calixthe Beyala has also failed to show up for sessions multiple times.
She accuses him of defamation and tainting her image.
Mimi Mefo Info
Calixthe Beyala never testified at tribunal – Paul Chouta’s lawyers
