Ace investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas was in his usual garb - face covered - when he appeared before the Judicial Council for possible interrogation last week, but Counsel for one of the judges (Justice Ayisi Addo) implicated in his (Anas') recent exposè - judicial bribery scandal - is on a crusade to have the renowned journalist's face unmasked when it is time for cross-examination.
At all his appearances in court last week, the leader of Tiger Eye Private Investigation Team had his face covered with his special hat weaved with beads to prevent people from knowing the real identity of the man behind some shocking undercover investigations in recent years.
Since the committee set up by the Chief Justice to investigate some 22 circuit court and magistrates judges, and 12 high court judges alleged to have misconducted themselves in a way that ridiculed the judiciary and soiled the image of the institution started sitting, the undercover journalist has been the only member of the Tiger Eye PI who disguises himself to avoid recognition.
But last week, the key witness characteristically caused a stir when he succeeded in confusing committee members as well as curious journalists prying at the corridors of the Judicial Service.
When the police vehicle that has been conveying him to the venue pulled up, out hopped three hooded fellows. The stunt left many, especially photojournalists, stunned and confused as to who to pick out as Anas.
But Captain (rtd) Nkrabea Effah Dartey, counsel for Justice Ayisi Addo, reveals the ace investigative journalist will not have the luxury to hide his face behind his special hat and has vowed to impress upon the Disciplinary Committee the need to force Anas to remove his cover.
He explained his point that during cross-examinations, the demeanor of Anas can convince the Judicial Council that the ace undercover journalist did a flimsy report to implicate his client, who "has the right under the law to have a face-to-face encounter with his accuser."
“We will force him to remove that garb from his face during cross-examination; I will ask the panelists to insist that he remove that cover from his face and cross-examine him (confrontational clause) to explain where and when he gave that money to Justice Ayisi Addo”, he charged.
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