PNM slams UNC 'fake news'

UPDATED:

The People’s National Movement (PNM) has condemned what it said was the abuse of social media by the Opposition United National Congress (UNC) to, “false news and outright fabrications”, against PNM parliamentarians.

In a statement, the PNM’s Women’s League identified Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi, Finance Minister Colm Imbert, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young, Sports Minister Darryl Smith and Tourism Minister Shamfa Cudjoe as some of the PNM parliamentarians targeted.

The PNM listed listed Expose TT, KICK OUT the PNM, BuzzAlertt and Political Memes as some of the Facebook profiles and pages which the UNC has been using to launch its attacks. The party also identified a former PP government minister Devant Maharaj and an online journalist as two individuals involved in these activities.

It said, “Personal attacks are packaged as facts and being perpetuated by the UNC and those who finance the UNC, including entities and individuals who have been and are currently, subject to investigation for corruption.” The PNM urged the public to reject the “fake news” being spread by the UNC and its supporters.

The party recalled that Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar publicly associated with and defended the online journalist recently. The PNM said it stands by its representatives and calls on the UNC to cease its fake news and dirty politics. PM Rowley said he is seeking his lawyers’ advice on whether to pursue legal action against Oropouche East MP Dr Roodal Moonilal and people on social media about allegations made in and out of Parliament on December 15, against him and his wife Sharon in relation to the fake oil scandal.

Young recently denied claims in a media report, which were continued on social media. Al-Rawi defended Young, saying his actions to highlight corruption which occurred under the former People’s Partnership government worried people who had questions to answer. Young has hinted at exploring his legal options. Smith yesterday defended himself against a video circulating on social media. Cudjoe defended herself recently against posts about her on social media.