From 18M to 500: US Court Overturns Landmark Defamation Win for Ghanaian Journalist
(Source: BBC)
In a stunning reversal, a US court has slashed a record 18 million defamation award to Ghanaian∗∗18milliondefamationawardtoGhanaianinvestigativejournalistAnasAremeyawAnasdowntojust∗∗500** – less than the price of a smartphone.
What Happened?
- Original Win: In March, a New Jersey jury ordered ex-Ghanaian MP Kennedy Agyapong to pay $18M after ruling he defamed Anas by calling him a “criminal” and linking him to a journalist’s murder. (BBC)
- Court’s U-Turn: A judge dramatically reduced the payout, calling $18M “disproportionate.” Agyapong celebrated on X, while Anas vowed to appeal. (BBC)
- Global Implications: The case tested free speech vs. defamation laws across borders—Anas sued in the US after losing a similar case in Ghana. (BBC)
Why It Matters
- Press Freedom Fight: Anas (famous for his beaded mask) called the original ruling a win for African journalists facing intimidation. Now, that victory is in doubt. (BBC)
- Political Feud: Agyapong made the comments after Anas exposed football corruption—a pattern of powerful figures attacking investigators. (BBC)
- Controversial Past: A Ghanaian judge once labeled Anas’ undercover work “investigative terrorism,” showing deep divides over his methods. (BBC)
What’s Next?
Anas insists this was never about money but accountability. With an appeal coming, this legal battle—spanning Ghana to America—isn’t over.
(Source: BBC – Full details in their original report.)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdj9gezxd39o