A High Court judge dismisses a defamation lawsuit filed by former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran against Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo. Justice Peter Hugh rules that Jagdeo’s statements at the centre of the case, including an assertion that Goolsarran lacked integrity, are “substantially true.” The court therefore rejects the defamation claim brought by Goolsarran.
The outlets report that the judge finds the defence of justification established regarding the contested statements. In addition to dismissing the case, Justice Peter Hugh orders Goolsarran to pay costs of $250,000. All three reports attribute the decision to the same judge and describe the outcome in similar terms, emphasizing the court’s finding that the substance of Jagdeo’s remarks is supported by facts.
