The Hardell Group claim Development and Opportunity Minister Terry Lister is trying to victimise one of their employees.

The media company has been unhappy with the Human Rights Commission for originally dismissing its complaint against the Bank of Bermuda before then agreeing to give it a second look.

And now Hardell charges Mr. Lister has been approaching members of the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) to get them to sanction Hardell employee Corey Butterfield, who also acts as spokesman for the PLP.

The company said Mr. Lister had interfered with its human rights complaint against the bank who it alleges was acting in a `racist way' by disclosing business information.

A letter from Hardell boss Harold Darrell to Mr. Lister said: "It has come to my attention that you have approached a number of Progressive Labour Party officials seeking support to have Mr. Butterfield sanctioned because of the public statements he has made concerning your handling of my human rights complaint that is before the Human Rights Commission.'' Mr. Hardell said: "When Mr. Butterfield publicly spoke regarding your conduct, he did so as the General Manager of Operations of the Hardell Group of Companies, not as a member of the Party.

"While I do see the PLP's dilemma, your supporters need to know that Mr.

Butterfield and I, supporters of the PLP, made every possible attempt to have this matter resolved before going public.'' Mr. Hardell accused Mr. Lister of trying to ruin Mr. Butterfield's political future and he said the Minister had caused members of the Human Rights Commission to appear incompetent and corrupt.

Mr. Hardell said: "Now you are trying to ruin Mr. Butterfield's political future.''