Zia Chishti, a Pakistani-American businessman, won a defamation case against The Telegraph for publishing false allegations. The newspaper admitted to the inaccuracies and agreed to issue a formal apology and pay damages to Chishti. He expressed relief at the outcome after enduring significant hardship over the past three years.
Zia Chishti, a Pakistani-American businessman and recipient of the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, has successfully won a defamation lawsuit against The Telegraph in London’s Royal Court of Justice. This victory was achieved after The Telegraph admitted that the allegations it reported against Chishti were false, misleading, and defamatory.
The case originated from sexual harassment allegations made by former employee Tatiana Spottiswood. Before the trial commenced, The Telegraph sought an out-of-court settlement, recognizing its misjudgment that the allegations were true and in the public interest.
As part of the settlement agreement, The Telegraph is required to issue a formal apology to Chishti in both its print and online formats, which will stay prominently displayed with the original articles. Furthermore, the newspaper has agreed to compensate Chishti financially for damages and to cover his legal expenses.
Upon exiting the court, Chishti expressed relief at the settlement and emphasized his innocence regarding the accusations. He noted, “I never committed the acts that The Telegraph and Tatiana Spottiswood accused me of. My family and I have endured three and a half years of hardship, and my reputation and business interests suffered greatly.”
Chishti has expressed hope that the newly elected U.S. Congress will afford him the opportunity to further clear his name, similarly to the chance given to his accuser. Notably, Chishti resigned from his leadership roles following the allegations, and while his company Afiniti has since declared bankruptcy, his other venture, The Resource Group, continues to face significant financial challenges due to losses and declining stock values.
In 2018, Chishti was recognized with Pakistan’s prestigious Sitara-e-Imtiaz for his notable contributions to business and technology.
In conclusion, Zia Chishti’s successful defamation lawsuit against The Telegraph showcases the importance of responsible journalism and the potential ramifications of false allegations. The formal apology and compensation from The Telegraph serve to rectify the damage inflicted upon Chishti’s reputation over the past three years. Moving forward, Chishti hopes to regain his standing and rectify the impacts on his business ventures.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
