Astaphan: ‘Day Has Come’ for Legal Action Over Alleged Defamation

Senior Counsel Anthony Astaphan says legal action has now been formally initiated following what he described as a sustained campaign of defamatory statements targeting Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show, Astaphan confirmed that a lawsuit was filed in the High Court against U.S.-based attorney Martin De Luca and his firm, alleging that repeated public statements were malicious and damaging to the prime minister’s personal and official reputation.

“The day has come,” Astaphan said, explaining that prior warnings had been issued but the alleged statements continued.

According to Astaphan, the claim was filed on behalf of Browne in his capacity as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Corporate Governance. He argued that the legal action was necessary to defend the integrity of the office and to address what he characterized as efforts to undermine public confidence.

Astaphan said the case marks a shift from public rebuttals to formal court proceedings, adding that the matter will now be determined within the judicial system.

The lawsuit represents a significant escalation in the dispute, moving the controversy from media exchanges into the courtroom.