MP wins Lm1,000 in libel damages

President Eddie Fenech Adami has been ordered to pay Lm1,000 in damages to Labour MP Chris Cardona over comments made during a political debate broadcast a week before the 2003 general election, when he was Prime Minister.

Magistrate Michael Mallia gave the ruling in a case initiated by Dr Cardona over comments made by Dr Fenech Adami in a debate aired on Radio RTK and Radio Malta (PBS) on April 5, 2003.

During the debate, Dr Fenech Adami claimed that Dr Cardona was one of a group of persons within the Labour Party who were in favour of EU membership. Dr Fenech Adami added that, as a result, Dr Cardona opposed the MLP's declared policy.

The Magistrates' Court had originally upheld a plea filed by Dr Fenech Adami that the allegations made by him were not libellous and constituted fair comment.

The case had been referred to the Court of Appeal which, last November, had ruled that the allegation was libellous. The Court of Appeal had, in turn, remitted the case back to the Magistrates' Court for a ruling on damages.

The appellate court had pointed out that the libellous allegation had been made shortly before the general election which was to determine, once and for all, whether or not Malta would become a EU member.

In yesterday's judgment, Magistrate Mallia noted that the controversy on EU membership no longer existed, for there was now agreement between the political parties on the issue. This point was to serve as an attenuation of the damages awarded.

The court concluded by condemning Dr Fenech Adami to pay Dr Cardona Lm1,000 in damages.