The father-in-law of Mark Gaffarena, who is at the centre of a controversy over the expropriation of a property in Old Mint Street, has filed a libel suit against newspaper MaltaToday.

Saviour Attard complained that the newspaper published a photo of him with the aim of tarnishing his reputation. The caption read: Joe Gaffarena.

The heading of the story he complained about was "Gaffarena: A tale of illegalities". 

The libel suit was filed against the editor of the newspaper's Wednesday edition and against journalist Jurgen Balzan.

Mr Attard is demanding compensation.

Lawyer John Bonello signed the libel suit.