A Former permanent secretary who wrked in the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs - Christopher Ciantar, and his wife Eleanor won €4,000 in a libel case against l-Orizzont
The newspaper had published a number of articles after the 2013 general election. The libel suit was filed over allegations made in the articles relating to nepotism, which read that Christopher Ciantar's wife, while he held the post of permanent secretary, eceived benefits as a civil servant. The articles read that Eleanor Ciantar joined the public sector back in 1991 as a typist. In 2009 she reached the post of principal. She was assigned to the pose of role manager at 'Naturalment Malti', a post which was allegedly made for her.
In addition, other allegations revolved around overtime payments, and a scholarship. Her contract was terminated after 2013, and she moved to a post within the Fisheries control.
The evidence brought forward by the newspaper included an affidavit and some Parliamentary questions, as well as a breakdown of overtime pay for Eleanor Ciantar.
Referring to a statement by former Minister Leo Brincat in Parliament, the Magistrate noted that Brincat had declared no action was to be taken against the Ciantars, and that the only advice he received was that the matter will end there. This however, was not reported.
The Magistrate noted that the Christopher Ciantar was removed from office in October 2013, and his wife was working at the Fisheries control based on her competence. He said that the allegations in the articles were based on jealousy and rivalry that hindered the progress of the country. The court noted sufficient evidence was missing, and declared the articles as defamatory.