Labour MP wins libel damages

Labour MP Michael Falzon has won €3,500 in libel damages after a court ruled that an article in Maltatoday entitled "Policing one's enemies" was libellous. The article was published in May 2007.

Dr Falzon filed his libel action against the article's author, Architect Michael Falzon and against Saviour Balzan, the newspaper's editor.

According to Dr Falzon the article implied that he had made use of the police and manipulated them to cause damage to a third party. The article also compared his actions with those of the notorious police of the former East Germany, namely The Stasi.

The Commissioner of Police had testified in this case and had denied that Dr Falzon had used any influence or persuasion. Dr Falzon had requested the Commissioner to investigate an anonymous and threatening letter that he had received. No extra priority had been given to the investigation.

While accepting the principle that politicians were open to close scrutiny by journalists and the public, the court said that politicians were also entitled to the protection of the libel laws.

No evidence had been brought by the defendants in this case to prove the allegations made.

The court ordered Mr Falzon to pay Dr Falzon €2,500 in damages. Mr Balzan was ordered to pay Dr Falzon €1,000.