“Newspapers are not a court” – Teodoro Waty says he has confidence in his predecessor at LAM

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“Newspapers are not a court” – Teodoro Waty says he has confidence in his predecessor at LAM

2:07 CAT | 02 Dec 2016

O País / Teodoro Waty

A day after ‘O País’ reported the existence of documents filed in Brazilian courts that indicate that a LAM’s former PCA and a former manager of Sasol would have taken bribes to facilitate the purchase of Embraer aircraft, Teodoro Waty, the lawyer who replaced LAM’s former PCA in the post, said that he had not noticed any irregularities in the company’s management after taking office. “The newspapers are not a court, and I have no evidence that what is said is true. I trust my predecessor. While I was there, I saw no evidence of what was reported. It is best to wait for him [former PCA] to speak up and for evidence to be brought forward,” said Waty, who says it is up to the courts to clarify the case.

“We expect the Mozambican justice system to do its job. I believe it will intervene impartially, and be fair and fast clarifying what happened,” he added.

Speed is the main concern of other lawyers questioned about the case. Speaking on behalf of the Bar Association, Filipe Sitoe said that institutions should act, but without violating the rights of those involved. “The organs of justice must do their duty and with all respect for the rights of the suspects,” he concluded.

Assembly of the Republic deputies have also reacted to the case. Opposition groups are demanding investigation and accountability, and say that the country cannot afford to lose credibility through the actions of the few. Frelimo counters by saying it is necessary to wait for the investigations, and that those implicated enjoy a presumption of innocence.

Source: O País