Mahloof made to apologise for judge change request

MP Ahmed Mahloof was made to apologise Thursday for a request to change the judge presiding in his trial over a “false reporting” tweet.

Denying any prejudice or conflict of interest, Judge Ali Adam reprimanded the opposition spokesman for sharing his request letter with the press. The irate judge said that spreading false and misleading information amounts to contempt of court and undue influence, local media reported.

The case was assigned in line with court procedures and he would hand it over immediately if the chief judge grants Mahloof’s request, Judge Ali Adam said.

In response, Mahloof apologised for sharing his letter with the media but added that he was within his rights to submit the request.