The former editor of General Workers’ Union organ It-Torċa was yesterday cleared of libelling the ex-planning authority board secretary.

Sylvana Debono had filed the libel suit against Aleks Farrugia, now responsible for public relations at Malta Enterprise, over an article published on April 29, 2012, penned by contributor Mark Camilleri.

Mr Camilleri referred to media reports on the reforms at the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, including Petra Bianchi’s appointment as environment protection director. He also referred to a www.maltastar.com report that alleged that Ms Debono was, from within Mepa, assisting the Nationalist Party with Mepa-related favours.

Magistrate Francesco Depasquale heard Ms Debono say she felt libelled by the report, 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 fair comment, as it was related to the perception of people in the planning institution.

Moreover, the allegations in the website article had not been publicly denied. The magistrate therefore cleared Mr Farrugia of libel.