Former minister Dolores Cristina drops charges against Alfred Sant

Former minister Dolores Christina dropped defamation charges against former prime Minister and MEP candidate Alfred Sant, after a declaration was filed saying the article in question was not aimed at her.

The case related to an article which was published in it-Torca seven years ago in which the then leader of the opposition Alfred Sant claimed that corruption, in the form of commissions, was rife in the Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity.

Both the former Minister and the head of her secretariat Brian Magro, denied the allegations and filed for libel.

Moreover Christina argued that it was her secretariat who informed the police of abuse. Following investigations, the police had indeed arraigned a man.

At the start of proceedings at the Court of Magistrate, Sant declared that the article was not aimed at the former minister and her head of secretariat. The court acquitted Sant of defamation, but the applicants appealed judgement.

During procedures in the Court of Appeal, Sant again reiterated that the article was not aimed at the appellants. Dr Paul Lia, on behalf of Sant filed a declaration formalising Sant’s position.

Contrary to previous reports, after the defendant’s declaration, former Minister Cristina and Brian Magro dropped the charges.

Mr Justice Gino Camilleri declared the case extinguished.

Lawyer Joe Zammit Maempel appeared for Dolores Cristina and Brian Magro, while Dr Paul Lia represented Sant.