YOUSUF: NEWSPAPER EDITOR IN COURT ACCUSED OF PRINTING LIES

A Bangladeshi newspaper editor accused of publishing false information about a politician ahead of an election has appeared in court.
 
Shah Yousuf, who runs the London Bangla newspaper, printed a story allegedly containing lies about Helal Abbas, who stood as a candidate in the Tower Hamlets Mayoral Election last year.
 
The article, published between October 15 and 21 last year – just days before the vote – is said to have blasted the personal character and conduct of Mr Abbas, who was representing the Labour party.
 
Mr Abbas lost out on the title to Lutfur Rahman, a former Tower Hamlets council leader who stood as an independent – winning the backing of London mayoral candidate, Ken Livingstone – after being dropped by Labour.
 
Yousuf, 33, of (32) Pauline House, Old Montague Road, Whitechapel, is also accused of printing an advert to promote another election candidate, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard.
 
Smartly dressed in a grey suit and white shirt, he spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.
 
District Judge Simon Barron granted Yousuf’s barrister, Nicola Margiotta, a one-week adjournment to discuss the charges further before he enters a plea.
 
The journalist faces two charges of making false or unauthorised patient’s or service declaration at election.
 
Yousuf is due to return to the court next Friday, November 18 and until then has been remanded on unconditional bail.