Investment, Industry and Information Technology Minister Austin Gatt has taken legal action against lawyer Claire Bonello, after allegations she made regarding the relocation of the Valletta open-air market (monti) in an email.

In a statement issued yesterday, the ministry said Dr Bonello had circulated an email, which also included a notice about an Alternattiva Demokratika activity, in which she made allegations that tarnish Dr Gatt’s reputation.

In the libel suit, Dr Gatt claimed the allegations made are unfounded, said the ministry, adding that Dr Bonello made the allegation at a time when Dr Gatt was negotiating with the hawkers.