The former chief of staff at the home affairs ministry today filed a libel suit against the editor of In-Nazzjon, Alexander Attard, about a story published on In-Nazzjon, on Monday 24 November, 2014.

The article, written by journalist Joe Mikallef, is entitled 'Paul Sheehan imgieghel jigdeb li spara fl-arja' - (Paul Sheehan forced to lie about warning shots). Mr Sheehan, the former driver of former minister Manuel Mallia, is now facing charges of attempted murder.

In the article, Mikallef writes that government sources claimed it was Mr Scerri who advised Paul Sheehan to say he fired warning shots in the air, and not towards the other driver. The article also features a photo of Mr Scerri, together with Dr Mallia.

In the libel suit filed, Mr Scerri claims that the article intended to defame him and taint his reputation. He requested the court to liquidate damages.

 

In December, Minister Mallia was sacked by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat after he declined to resign following the incident. Dr Muscat called on Dr Mallia to resign after he was presented with an inquiry report of the incident on November 19. The Prime Minister said that Dr Mallia had fallen short in his duties as a minister by not issuing a new press statement when it became clear that the first one issued about the "warning shots" was incorrect.