Judge confirms €1,000 award in Brussels property libel case

A judge yesterday confirmed a Magistrates' Court judgment whereby Labour deputy leader Anġlu Farrugia was ordered to pay €1,000 libel damages to Malta's Permanent Representative to the EU, Richard Cachia Caruana.

Mr Justice Philip Sciberras threw out Dr Farrugia's appeal and confirmed the original sentence handed down by Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna. The court found that an article entitled Stand Up For Your Rights, You Maltese Citizens was libellous. The article, written by Dr Farrugia, had been published in a newsletter issued by Dr Farrugia's supporters in October 2004.

Mr Cachia Caruana argued that the article claimed he had violated financial regulations and that he had purchased property in Brussels.

Magistrate Apap Bologna concluded that the article was libellous and did not constitute fair comment.

Dr Farrugia appealed, saying the newsletter did not fall within the description of a publication, according to law. He also argued that Mr Cachia Caruana was a public figure and, therefore, had to be subjected to criticism and that the €1,000 award was exaggerated.

Mr Justice Sciberras disagreed and confirmed the original judgment.