MEP sues for libel over travel allegations

Labour MEP John Attard Montalto yesterday filed a libel suit against three editors following allegations that he had privately travelled to Mexico using European Parliament funds.

Dr Attard Montalto filed the suit, in the Magistrates' Court, against the editor of The Independent on Sunday, Fr Noel Grima, the editor of Net Television, Louiselle Vassallo, and the editor of the website maltarightnow.com, Karl Stagno Navarra.

He said that last Sunday they were responsible for the publication and broadcast of allegations that he had travelled to Mexico using funds belonging to the European Parliament.

In the case of Net Television and the website, they had also alleged that he had gone on a cruise which he paid from the Parliament's funds, he added.

Dr Attard Montalto explained that such allegations were false and defamatory and held the editors liable for damages.