.jpg)
They threaten us with libels, we fight back with the truth
With the present press laws and the stand taken by the Maltese judiciary to penalise the press, Malta’s fourth estate faces an awkward future
Peter Fenech (right) The court accorded him a total of €25,000 in libel damages, when it was claimed that he could not be considered as a "public person" when MaltaToday investigated government largesse towards his business interests.
The late MaltaToday journalist Julian Manduca was behind the first investigation into the Jumbo Lido scandal, before journalist James Debono followed up the story, to reveal the curious and unorthodox decisions taken by the previous administration on this property on public land in Sliema.
In 2006, libel proceedings were instituted by Peter Fenech, a well known lawyer and political activist. In 2012, Magistrate France Depasquale awarded him damages amounting to €18,000, and legal fees that amounted to just under €7,000. In 2014, the appeals court confirmed the sentence against MaltaToday.
The case is now being heard in the Constitutional Court. Every year MaltaToday, together with other newspapers, face countless defamation cases from individuals from the political world. Independent journalism is under serious threat.
With the present press laws and the stand taken by the Maltese judiciary to penalise the press, Malta’s fourth estate faces an awkward future. If you really care, support us now by making a small contribution so that we can take these cases to the European Court of Human Rights.
Donate to our online libel fund using PayPal, a safe way to debit your credit card and you recieve a free copy of Saviour Balzan's upcoming publication (if you donate €100 or more). Donations by cheque can be made out to Mediatoday, and mailed to Mediatoday Libel Fund, Mediatoday, Vjal ir-Rihan, San Gwann SGN9016
