Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando had turned up as a journalist to challenge Dr Sant over his claim. Photo: Darrin Zammit Lupi

Former MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando yesterday lost a libel suit against former Opposition leader Alfred Sant following allegations of corruption made during a press conference over the Mistra controversy.

Dr Sant, who is contesting the MEP elections, had made the allegations on March 1, 2008, just days before the general election, at a field owned by Dr Pullicino Orlando.

The former prime minister alleged corruption in the way a permit for an open-air disco on the land was issued.

Dr Pullicino Orlando filed a libel suit immediately following the allegations contesting what was said.

The police also investigated the issue and three men were taken to court and accused over the issue on a number of charges and acquitted.

Philip Azzopardi, former chairman of a Development Control Commission (DCC) board, and Anthony Mifsud, a former board member, were charged with taking a private interest in the adjudication of the permit.

George Micallef, a former consultant to the Malta Tourism Authority, was acquitted of making a false declaration in the case over the application to the planning authority for the disco.

Magistrate Francesco Depas­quale said he was convinced that the comments made by Dr Sant were not malicious but were his honest opinion on what was happening.

He had a right to say what he did especially in view of the fact that he was an elected representative of the people and it was his duty as leader of the Opposition to express his disapproval.

This disapproval was part and parcel of the political debate and his expression was the foundation of a democratic society and should be protected by the court.

Magistrate Depasquale said he found the comments made by Dr Sant to be fair comment and that Dr Sant had made a value judgement based on what was happening.

Dr Pullicino Orlando said he will “definitely” be appealing the judgment.