Defamation case: Municipal council member accused

Manama

A municipal member was acquitted in a defamation case lodged by a senior public official due to lack of proof.

Muharraq Municipal Council member Ghazi Al Murbati was accused of libeling a director at the Muharraq Municipality after accusing her of abuse of authority during municipal meetings.

However, the Lower Criminal Court cleared him of any charge.

Al Murbati was quoted in the local press accusing the director of misconduct after the Muharraq Municipality signed an agreement with a local services provider company.

His lawyer earlier what his client did was in the interest of the public.

"The Public Prosecution didn't follow proper steps when handling this case. And also the evidences against my client are invalid to hold him guilty," the lawyer said in his closing argument.

He argued there is nothing unconstitutional in his action.