Astaphan backs Browne’s legal action over Alfa Nero allegations

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Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan has backed Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s decision to take legal action against a US-based law firm, opposition figures and media outlets over allegations linked to the Alfa Nero superyacht.

Earlier this week, Mr Browne said he intends to sue the law firm Boies, Schiller & Flexner for exemplary damages, accusing it of making defamatory statements about his alleged involvement in the matter.

The Prime Minister said the firm failed to respond to a pre-action letter sent by his lawyers in November and instead made what he described as further defamatory claims, prompting him to escalate the dispute to the courts.

He also confirmed that legal proceedings would be brought against former United Progressive Party leader Harold Lovell, whom he accused of repeating the allegations publicly.

Mr Browne’s attorneys, Rika Bird & Associates, said statements made by attorney Martin DeLuca — who represents Russian national Yulia Guryeva Motlokhov — were highly defamatory and had damaged the Prime Minister’s reputation. The claims were reported by international and local media, including the Associated Press and outlets in Antigua and Barbuda.

He said leaving such claims unchallenged risked members of the public accepting them as fact, adding that they went to the heart of Mr Browne’s character and integrity as Prime Minister.

Mr Astaphan acknowledged that freedom of expression is protected under the Constitution but said it does not extend to false accusations of corruption or criminal conduct.

He added that those making such claims must provide evidence and allow the accused the opportunity to respond, warning that the repeated circulation of unsubstantiated allegations could not reasonably be ignored.

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