Labour MP Joe Brincat presented a judicial letter addressed to the Data Protection Commissioner and the Police Commissioner before the First Hall of Civil Courts, in which he accused the national broadcaster of breaching the data protection rights of “a person involved in public life”.

Dr Brincat protested against the persistent broadcasting of adverts promoting a TV programme which was to discuss the same person’s state of health.

He said that the European Convention on Human Rights does not cover such actions, even though it gives journalists the right to publish information regarding people holding public office. However, said Dr Brincat, the convention guarantees that these people have the same right to privacy regarding their health, as other citizens have.

The lawyer held that there was enough evidence to show that the PBS programmes manager and those responsible for processing had breached the Data Protection Act.

He added that this invasive conduct was being carried out, without being sanctioned.

The subject of one’s health, said Dr Brincat, was of a highly personal nature, much more so than the data on an ID card or other personal information, as it effected one’s dignity. Besides, he said, no one brings illness upon himself.