Quebec businessman Tony Accurso sues CBC/Radio-Canada over Mafia-wake reports

MONTREAL - Quebec construction mogul Antonio Accurso is suing the CBC and Radio-Canada, saying they incorrectly reported he attended the viewing for the eldest son of the reputed head of Montreal's Italian Mafia.
Accurso says CBC and Radio-Canada reported Dec. 31 he was present at a funeral home where mourners were paying their last respects to Nick Rizzuto Jr.
His statement of claim says journalists Kai Nagata and Yvan Cote repeatedly reported Accurso was present at the funeral home.
Accurso says he was "thousands of kilometres" away.
Radio-Canada and CBC spokespeople could not be immediately reached for comment.
Accurso is seeking $3 million in damages to his reputation, $500,000 in punitive damages, as well as a public apology.
The statement of claim contains allegations not proven in court.
Nick Rizzuto Jr., the son of Vito Rizzuto, the reputed head of the Montreal Mafia, was slain in a brazen daytime shooting on Dec. 28.
Accurso's suit was filed in Quebec Superior Court in Montreal on Tuesday.
A spokeswoman for a public relations firm said Accurso would have no further comment as the case is before the courts.
Last October, Accurso filed a $2.5-million suit against Radio-Canada and journalist Alain Gravel after they alleged the businessman has strong ties with politicians and union organizations in Quebec.