The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution has warned journalists and media houses against misreporting and misrepresenting facts.
This is after NTV news anchor James Smart gave wrong information through Twitter about why Aisha Jumwa failed to attend a court session on Wednesday.
According to James Smart, ODPP told the court that she could not attend the hearing of a case against her because she, alongside other cabinet nominees, had been asked to hang around The Statehouse for possible swearing-in. At the time, the National Assembly was yet to approve the nominees.
“AISHA JUMWA failed to attend her MURDER TRIAL today ODPP instead told the court that she said “her and other nominees had been ordered to stay near State House for a possible swearing in today,” the journalist stated.
ODPP however noted that Jumwa attended the court session virtually and that it was her lawyer who informed the court about her reasons for not being able to physically avail herself in court. ODPP further noted that she was awaiting appointment and not swearing-in as reported by Smart.
“CORRECTION. Dunstan Omari, one of Ms. Jumwa’s lawyers, while responding to why his client was appearing virtually, said that she had to hang around State House, waiting for her appointment. Court records can confirm this. ODPP would like to encourage factual reporting,” read a statement from DPP’s office.
“The ODPP takes great exception to such reporting from journalists and media houses that continue to misreport and misrepresent facts. We will take action against such reporting. The ODPP is always available for clarification,” ODDP added.
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