Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/376810
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER 2014 14 News They threaten us with libels We fight back with the truth The late MaltaToday journalist Julian Manduca was behind the first investigation into the Jumbo Lido scandal, before journalist James Debono followed up the story, to reveal the curious and unorthodox decisions taken by the previous administration on this property on public land in Sliema. In 2006, libel proceedings were instituted by Peter Fenech, a well known lawyer and political activist. In 2012, the Maltese courts awarded him damages amounting to €18,000, and legal fees that amounted to just under €7,000. In 2014, the appeals court confirmed the sentence against MaltaToday. The case is now being heard in the Constitutional Court. Every year MaltaToday, together with other newspapers, face countless defamation cases from individuals from the political world. Independent journalism is under serious threat. With the present press laws and the stand taken by the Maltese judiciary to penalise the press, Malta's fourth estate faces an awkward future. If you really care, support us now by making a small contribution so that we can take these cases to the European Court of Human Rights. If you would like to contribute to our libel fund, do so now, by writing to: MaltaToday Libel Fund, Mediatoday, Vjal ir-Rihan, San Gwann - SGN9016 THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY maltatoday