A court in Pakistan has declared the Chief Editor of Norway’s far-right tabloid Verdens Gang (VG) and its reporter, Rolf John Widerøe, as proclaimed offenders for failing to appear before the court in relation to a false and defamatory story about Pakistani businessman Umar Farooq Zahoor. The court’s decision follows the defendants’ repeated failure to comply with legal notices issued by the Pakistani court and their refusal to defend the accusations made against them.
Court’s Declaration and Legal Proceedings
Judge Abid Zubair, of the Additional District and Sessions Court in Ferozwala, issued the proclamation after Mr. Widerøe and the VG editor ignored the summons served to them in Norway. Despite the court’s attempts to deliver notices through ordinary means, the two defendants did not appear before the court or provide evidence to substantiate their claims. As a result, the court declared them proclaimed offenders in a public notice, published in major English-language newspapers across Pakistan.
The official court notice reads: “Whereas service of the defendant is not going to be effected through ordinary means, service of defendants is affected by proclamation in the newspaper. You, defendants are directed to appear in the Court in person or through counsel failing which, ex-parte proceedings shall be initiated against you.”
Umar Farooq Zahoor’s Defamation Lawsuit
Dubai-based businessman Umar Farooq Zahoor filed a defamation lawsuit against Verdens Gang (VG) and its reporter, accusing the tabloid of publishing a malicious and misleading article aimed at damaging his reputation. Zahoor has been a significant contributor to Pakistan’s economy, attracting millions of dollars in foreign investment. Zahoor’s legal team claims that the tabloid’s defamatory campaign against him has been ongoing for fifteen years.
Zahoor’s lawyers argue that VG’s attacks on their client have been both biased and Islamophobic, accusing the tabloid of deliberately omitting important facts to tarnish Zahoor’s image. The defamatory article in question presented false allegations of fraud involving Zahoor in connection with the Nordea Bank fraud case, a matter in which Zahoor’s involvement was never proven.
Read More: Pakistani Court Summons Norwegian Tabloid Editor and Reporter
Background of the Nordea Bank Case
The Nordea Bank case, which took place in Norway in 2010, involved a fraudulent transaction that deprived a Norwegian citizen, Randi Nelson, of a large sum of money. Zahoor’s lawyers clarify that Zahoor had not even been in Norway since 2005, five years before the alleged crime occurred. Norwegian law enforcement first initiated the investigation in 2011, and although some individuals were convicted for their involvement, Zahoor was never charged. The tabloid, however, continued to publish misleading stories, omitting the fact that Zahoor was not involved in any criminal activity.
The case was closed in 2013 after the investigation failed to find any evidence linking Zahoor to the alleged fraud. However, VG ignored the closure of the investigation and falsely reported on Zahoor’s supposed involvement. Zahoor’s legal team highlights that the tabloid’s refusal to report on the closure of the case and the dismissal of remarks against Zahoor shows a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
VG’s Misleading Coverage and Concealed Facts
Further details in Zahoor’s lawsuit reveal that VG ignored critical facts that would have undermined the legitimacy of their reporting. One key detail overlooked by the tabloid was the background of the Norwegian judge who made the initial remarks against Zahoor in the Nordea Bank fraud case. The judge, Arild Nesdal, had been convicted for possessing child pornography, a fact VG failed to disclose. Zahoor’s lawyers argue that VG deliberately concealed this information, further fueling their claims of malicious intent.
In addition, Zahoor’s lawsuit highlights that a criminal case against him, which VG had reported on in a vindictive move, was dismissed by Oslo police in March 2023. The case involved allegations of Zahoor threatening the tabloid, but there was no evidence to support the accusations. Zahoor’s lawyers expressed disbelief, questioning how their client, who was not in Norway, could have threatened the tabloid.
Legal Trouble for Rolf John Widerøe in Pakistan
The lawsuit also points to further legal complications for Rolf John Widerøe in Pakistan. In 2015, a criminal case was registered against him for allegedly defrauding a Pakistani citizen, Maqsood Ali, of ten million rupees. The complaint alleged that Widerøe had made false promises to help Ali obtain a Norwegian passport. After receiving the payment, Widerøe is accused of threatening Ali and fleeing Pakistan, avoiding legal accountability. As a result, Pakistani law enforcement issued non-bailable arrest warrants against Widerøe and later sought Red Warrants through INTERPOL.
Despite these legal troubles, Verdens Gang continues to publish stories written by Widerøe, despite the reporter being a proclaimed offender in Pakistan. Zahoor’s lawsuit accuses VG of deliberately distorting facts and concealing critical information for personal gain. Zahoor’s legal team argues that by doing so, the tabloid is knowingly contributing to a false narrative.
Read More: Pakistani Authorities Pursue Norwegian Journalist Linked to Fraud and Paedophile Judge
A Long-standing Campaign of Defamation
The legal battle between Umar Farooq Zahoor and Verdens Gang (VG) underscores a larger pattern of defamation and malicious intent spanning several years. The Pakistani court’s decision to declare the VG editor and reporter proclaimed offenders highlights the seriousness of the accusations and the tabloid’s persistent refusal to comply with legal proceedings. Zahoor’s legal team argues that the ongoing campaign against him has been driven by prejudice, racism, and a personal vendetta, culminating in a deliberate attempt to tarnish his reputation in both Pakistan and internationally.
As the case continues, Zahoor’s lawyers remain determined to hold VG accountable for its role in publishing false and defamatory stories. The unfolding legal proceedings not only shed light on the tactics of right-wing media outlets but also raise questions about accountability and the power of the press to shape public opinion through misleading reporting.
This article was received directly from the reporter.