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Construction magnate Charles Polidano has been ordered to pay former Siggiewi mayor Nenu Aquilina the sum of Lm300 in damages.
Polidano was found guilty of defaming Aquilina during TV programme Monitor on Net TV.
The case dates back to 1999 when Nenu Aquilina as mayor of Siggiewi had rallied a coalition of local councils and environmental organisations against Charles Polidano’s plans for the development of a cement factory in Siggiewi.
During this programme Charles Polidano declared that Nenu Aquilina had turned against him because he had not helped him. He also accused Aquilina of lying and blabbing.
During the court proceedings, ic-Caqnu did not deny saying these words but failed to prove his allegations. Polidano claimed that his comments were acceptable in a democratic society according to the norms set by the European Convention for Human Rights.
In awarding these damages the court took in consideration that at the time Nenu Aquilina was a public figure exposed to public scrutiny.
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