By NICO SCAVELLA

Tribune Staff Reporter

nscavella@tribunemedia.net

LAWYER Fred Smith criticised Prime Minister Perry Christie for using “aggressive tactics” against his client Michael Pintard on a claim that “does not behoove his office”.

In a legal letter sent to Mr Christie’s lawyer, and obtained by The Tribune, Mr Smith also accused the prime minister of issuing “defamatory” statements against his client.

This came nearly a week after Mr Christie threatened to sue Mr Pintard, FNM chairman, for defamation for allegations made regarding the arrest and release of Randy Rolle, Bahamas consul general to Atlanta on April 3.

Mr Smith said Mr Christie’s “unreasonably aggressive reaction” to Mr Pintard’s statements was “entirely misplaced” and his legal threat “groundless.” He added that as prime minister, Mr Christie is subject to criticism and scrutiny in order to foster political debate and transparency.

Mr Smith said Mr Pintard is “not prepared to submit to a thinly veiled and unfounded threat” and requested that Mr Christie withdraw the complaint. In the meantime, Mr Smith said Mr Pintard is seeking “disclosure from BTC of all relevant telephone records”.

“(Mr Christie’s) claim is unmeritorious and does not behoove his office,” Mr Smith, QC, said. “Our client’s press release of April 8 posed serious questions on matters of grave national concern, namely improper interference with police business. Senator Pintard felt a duty to air his concerns, which the public had an interest in hearing, and shall robustly defend any litigation.

“(Mr Christie’s) unreasonably aggressive reaction to our client’s requests is entirely misplaced and his legal complaint is groundless,” Mr Smith claimed.

He added: “Our client is, therefore, considering his options against (Mr Christie) and we reserve all his rights in this regard.”

Last week, Mr Pintard said Mr Christie was duty bound to explain the circumstances surrounding Mr Rolle’s arrest and subsequent release. Mr Pintard claimed that while Mr Rolle was in police custody he was allowed a phone call that led to his eventual release.

Last Thursday, Mr Christie issued a statement saying that he would sue Mr Pintard for defamation over the allegations.

Mr Christie claimed that Mr Pintard had “falsely and maliciously” accused him of interfering in Mr Rolle’s release from police detention in Bimini.

Yesterday, Mr Smith argued that calling for an investigation or an explanation from Mr Christie is “not the same as saying that (Mr Christie) has categorically abused his office.”

“It is trite law that politicians must exercise a greater degree of tolerance of criticism of their conduct than is required of private individuals,” Mr Smith argued. “The law affords greater flexibility to matters of political criticism in the interests of freedom of expression and open political debate.

“(Mr Christie) is the leader of his party and in the highest position of public office. These principles must therefore be accentuated against his position.”

On Sunday FNM Leader Dr Hubert Minnis accused Mr Christie of trying to suppress freedom of speech in his attempts to take legal action against Mr Pintard.

Mr Rolle, meanwhile, who was called to Nassau to give a report of the incident, has maintained that he is confident he will remain in his diplomatic post.