Resources and Infrastructure Minister Ninu Zammit has filed two libel suits against the Labour leader and secretary-general, claiming that reports regarding compensation he received for expropriated land in Zurrieq were offensive and defamatory.

In a statement issued by the ministry yesterday, Mr Zammit said Opposition Leader Alfred Sant, and reports in the media of remarks made by MLP secretary-general had suggested there was some irregularity with regard to compensation he had received for an expropriated 187-square metre plot of land in Zurrieq.

On the contrary, Minister Zammit said, the amount of compensation had been calculated in accordance with the law.

Dr Joseph Zammit Maempel, Dr Michael Tanti Dougal and legal procurator Mario Mifsud Bonnici filed the writs.