Tuna pens operator sues for libel

Two tuna ranch companies yesterday filed a writ for libel damages against the newspaper Maltatoday.

Charles Azzopardi on behalf of Azzopardi Fisheries Ltd and AJD Tuna Ltd filed the writ against Editor Saviour Balzan, and journalist Raphael Vassallo.

Mr Azzopardi claimed he was libelled by an article titled Fishy Business written by Mr Balzan and published on May 28. He further claimed that he had been libelled by an article titled Cheeky Azzopardi Fishes For Compensation penned by Mr Vassallo and published on June 28.

The Magistrates Court was requested to order defendants to pay libel damages.

Lawyer John Refalo signed the writ.