The former editor of General Workers' Union organ It-Torca was today cleared of libelling the former planning authority board secretary with a comment that she was assisting the Nationalist Party in Mepa-related favours for constituents.
Sylvana Debono had filed the libel suit against Alex Farrugia, now responsible for public relations at Malta Enterprise, over an article published on April 29, 2012, that was penned by contributor Mark Camilleri.
In the article, Mr Camilleri referred to media reports on the reforms that were under way at the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, including the appointment of Petra Bianchi as Environment Protection Director. He also referred to a www.maltastar.com report that alleged that Ms Debono was, from within Mepa, assisting the PN with Mepa-related favours.
Magistrate Francesco Depasquale heard Ms Debono say how she felt libelled by what had been reported, adding that it was aimed at tarnishing her reputation.
However, the court ruled that the article in question was not libellous and could be considered as fair comment as they were related to the perception of people of the planning institution.
Moreover, the allegations contained in the www.maltastar.com article had not been publicly denied. The magistrate therefore cleared Mr Farrugia of libel.