Investigative Journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas has refused to heed a court verdict stating that he would reveal his real face to a former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi in a secret chamber before testifying in an open court regarding a corruption case.
Mr. Aremeyaw Anas who is known for masking himself while revealing issues of corruption says he is unable to adhere to the court order on the basis of security implications that could emanate from the approach.
This is contained in a statement released by his private firm called Tiger Eye, PI.
“Under these circumstances, prudence requires that he declines the invitation to endanger his life and accordingly declines the invitation to reveal his identity to the defendant in the judges’ chamber or any other place.”
According to the statement, the journalist’s declination is also informed by both private and state actors’ resort to undermining the mechanisms of the Journalist in his quest to reveal corrupt cases in the country.
It also added that “Tiger Eye shall remain unwavering and relentless in its fight against corruption and societal ills. Anas remains in high spirits and is grateful to the good people of Ghana for their support and protection.”
Why was Anas ordered to reveal his real face?
A High Court ordered that former Ghana Football Association (GFA) President, Mr. Kwesi Nyantakyi be allowed to see the face of investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas in the judge’s chamber before a court proceeding in which the journalist is said to be a principal witness in the determination of the case.
This was to happen following an application by the counsel of the former GFA President requesting that the accused, Mr. Nyantakyi be given the opportunity to see the real face of the witness.
Anas Aremeyaw Anas is always seen in a beaded costume that covers his face, an act that seeks to prevent people, especially perpetrators of corruption revealed by him from recognizing him.
Mr. Nyantakyi is being tried over a corruption case during his administration revealed by the journalist in a documentary titled “Number 12.”
The “Number 12” documentary revealed Mr. Nyantakyi receiving incentives for the purpose of influencing decisions within Ghana’s football fraternity.
Given that Anas has become the principal witness in the case, Mr. Nyantakyi wants to see his real face prior to his appearing in open court.
The court said that for justice to be served and that where the freedom of a citizen is implicated, such an individual must be given the necessary facilities to defend himself.
Therefore, the High Court ruled that although Mr. Anas will be disguised in a mask, Mr. Nyantakyi will have the opportunity to see his real face in a private space.
“Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas will testify against Former GFA President Kwasi Nyantakyi in open court but disguised in a mask.
“Mr. Nyantakyi will however have the opportunity t see his face in chambers before such testimony,” the court ruled.
Source: Dehotpress
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