Pakistani-American businessman Zia Chishti wins defamation case against UK newspaper
World
The Telegraph will publish a formal apology to Chishti in both its print and online editions
LONDON (Haseeb Arslan) - Pakistani-American businessman and recipient of the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, Zia Chishti, has won a defamation case against The Telegraph in the Royal Court of Justice, London.
The British newspaper has issued a formal apology after admitting that the allegations published against Chishti were false, misleading, and defamatory.
The case stemmed from allegations of sexual harassment made by Chishti’s former employee, Tatiana Spottiswood, which The Telegraph had reported.
However, before the trial could begin, the newspaper opted for an out of court settlement, acknowledging that its previous stance that the allegations were true and in the public interest, was incorrect.
As part of the settlement, The Telegraph will publish a formal apology to Chishti in both its print and online editions. The apology will remain permanently visible atop the original articles containing the accusations. Additionally, the newspaper has agreed to pay damages to Chishti, along with covering his legal costs.
Speaking to the this correspondent outside court, Chishti welcomed the settlement and apology, stating: “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 grant him the same opportunity to clear his name as was given to his accuser.
Following the allegations, Chishti resigned from leadership positions in both his companies.
Three years after his resignation, his company Afiniti declared bankruptcy, while his other venture, The Resource Group, continues to struggle due to financial losses and declining stock value.
In 2018, Zia Chishti was awarded Pakistan’s Sitara-e-Imtiaz for his contributions to business and technology.
