TV presenter Lou Bondì was yesterday ordered to confirm his previous evidence on a solemn declaration after lawyer Toni Abela wondered how a self-declared atheist could swear on the cross when testifying.

The decree handed down by Magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna yesterday closed an issue that was first raised two months ago by Dr Abela in a libel case in which he is representing former Labour MP Wenzu Mintoff.

During two of the sittings held in October, Dr Abela argued that although Mr Bondì had kissed the crucifix and swore to say the truth before testifying he had later publicly declared he was an atheist.

Dr Abela asked for the testimony to be declared null and to be removed from the records of the case.

In rebuttal, Mr Bondì argued that taking an oath by swearing on the cross was acceptable because the crucifix did not only represent religious principles outside a place of worship but also important secular values.

He added that Dr Abela was breaching his human rights by forcing him to declare his beliefs.

The magistrate decreed that he had two options: either to allow Mr Bondì to testify again or to order that he would confirm his previous testimony on a solemn declaration. He chose the second option.