{"id":8686,"date":"2017-10-26T15:22:54","date_gmt":"2017-10-26T19:22:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=8686"},"modified":"2017-10-26T15:22:54","modified_gmt":"2017-10-26T19:22:54","slug":"asot-michael-responds-to-misleading-observer-reports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/asot-michael-responds-to-misleading-observer-reports\/","title":{"rendered":"Asot Michael responds to “misleading” Observer reports"},"content":{"rendered":"
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(Press Release)<\/p>

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“I have been shown a copy of the article printed in the Observer and later repeated in a broadcast by Martina Johnson on Observer News, on 25th October 2017.<\/p>\n

The article and broadcast both began with statement that \u201cThe National Crime Agency (NCA) in the UK did not pick up Antigua and Barbuda\u2019s M.P Asot Michael for a routine interview as he suggested in a press statement\u00a0Tuesday<\/span><\/span>.”<\/p>

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I would like to make it clear that I have not said or suggested at any\u00a0time that the interview was \u201croutine\u201d. My press statement was as follows: \u201cAfter completing the usual formalities, I was approached by police officers, who asked me to accompany them. I agreed. The officers wished to interview me, and for that purpose, I was arrested.<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n

I have been advised that this is often done when persons are traveling and not expected to remain in the United Kingdom.\u201d<\/p>\n

Every word of this is true. The statement made in the Observer article and broadcast is therefore untrue and misleading.<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n

I have been advised by my lawyers that I am unable to make any comment on the contents of my interview with the police while their investigation is ongoing. However, I will state again, as in my previous statement, that in the interview I made it clear to the British police that I deny any allegations made against me, and that I have not been involved in any wrongdoing, which is the case.<\/p>\n

I hope this further statement will be reported without any misleading comment by the Observer, or elsewhere in the media.”<\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n

The Hon. Asot A. Michael, MP for St. Peter\u2019s Constituency<\/strong>
\n26th October, 2017<\/strong><\/p>

\"\"<\/a><\/div>\n
\"\"<\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(Press Release) “I have been shown a copy of the article printed in the Observer and later repeated in a broadcast by Martina Johnson on Observer News, on 25th October 2017. 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