Barrister-at-Law, Anslem Clouden, is seeking to have a law suit filed by Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell against local broadcast journalist Paul Roberts and Spice Capital Media Services struck out when the matter is called for hearing later this week.

Paul Roberts

Addressing a press conference Monday, Clouden told reporters  that the legal action taken against Roberts and his station in connection with the infamous "Briefcase Issue" is another abuse of the Civil process of the court, as well as malicious and vexatious.

According to the lawyer, the action was brought by Prime Minister Mitchell in "bad faith and maliciously" with the ulterior motive of trying to damage the defendant's business and not in furtherance of any legitimate interest of the defendant. Clouden disclosed that legal papers will be served on the Grenadian leader as soon as the court's bailiff can reach him.

In the past, several government ministers have been accused of taking evasive actions in order to avoid being served by Bailiffs on court-related matters. Clouden stated that he will be seeking "Special Damages" for Roberts and his company from the court in the sum of $5,000.00, as well as General Damages.

Prime Minister Mitchell instituted civil proceedings against the journalist for allegedly broadcasting a defamatory statement against him in connection with the "briefcase issue". Roberts has already denied any involvement in the matter.

Dr. Mitchell is being investigated for allegedly accepting a substantial bribe of US$500, 000.00 from international fraudster, Eric Resteiner in Switzerland in June 2000 to land a diplomatic job with the Grenada government.

The Grenadian leader denied the charge, claiming that he received "approximately US$15, 000.00" from the con-man to help cover the cost of an investment delegation that he was leading on tours to several European capitals and Kuwait.

Clouden is contending that Prime Minister Mitchell in a National Broadcast to Grenadians admitted visiting Resteiner and on May 6, at a political rally held in St. Andrew's, told thousands of  supporters of his New National Party (NNP) that it was his money; and that he should have taken more money.