I read with amusement the stricture and message of the deputy IGP in Don't make Elie a hero , says deputy police chief.

My reading these last few days in the two English dailies of Elie Yousef Najem must have been dead wrong if what Musa said is correct. I certainly did not feel that the papers have made him out to be a hero before his arrest; quite the contrary.

I am sure many people would now have been forewarned about this dubious character. Maybe Musa is of the view that the high profile reports of Elie have made a hero out of him. If that be the case, then that is the personal view of Musa best kept to himself.

Whatever his view, he should to be circumspect in making public such statements when investigations are pending; more so when he is seen trying to influence what the papers say. I hope journalists will carry on with their duties nonetheless.

The deputy police chief should explain instead why this character was still running about town and painting it red when he has overstayed his visa.