Jason Azzopardi has lost a highly publicised libel case filed by former PL government minister Carmelo Abela. The Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Dr Rachel Montebello, ruled in favour of Abela, ordering Azzopardi to pay €7,000 in damages. The case revolved around a 2021 Facebook post in which Azzopardi falsely implied that Abela was involved in the 2010 HSBC bank hold-up. The court found Azzopardi’s allegations defamatory and capable of causing serious harm to Abela’s reputation.
A Legal Defeat for Azzopardi
At the heart of the case was a Facebook post in which Azzopardi suggested that Abela had provided the robbers with inside access to the HSBC bank. His post was part of an ongoing online exchange, where Azzopardi hinted that the public would soon learn of Abela’s involvement. In court, Azzopardi attempted to defend his statements by claiming they were based on honest opinion. However, the court rejected this defence, finding that his statements were more than just opinion, and constituted direct accusations that were defamatory in nature.
The court concluded that an ordinary reader would easily infer that Azzopardi was accusing Abela of being complicit in the crime, and that the allegations had a damaging impact on Abela’s reputation.
Azzopardi’s Response and Refusal to Back Down
Despite the court ruling against him, Azzopardi remained defiant. In a typical move, he took to Facebook shortly after the judgment to announce his intention to appeal. While he mentioned several legal and factual reasons for his appeal, he singled out what he claimed was a factual error in the court’s judgment. Azzopardi wrote:
“This morning the Court delivered the judgment on the libel case Carmelo Abela filed against me over the HSBC hold-up. The Court ruled against me. I will appeal this decision for various legal and factual reasons. I will not discuss the entire appeal here, but I will mention one factual error. On page 16 of the judgment, the Court states that when the HSBC hold-up occurred, Carmelo Abela was a private citizen, not a public figure. This is incorrect. When the HSBC hold-up happened, Abela was a Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker.”
This is not the first time Azzopardi has refused to back down in the face of legal or political challenges, demonstrating a pattern of confrontational and aggressive political behaviour.
From Rebel Hero to Political Isolate
Azzopardi’s defeat in this libel case is emblematic of the more controversial elements of his political career. Once hailed as a “blue hero” for his defiance against former Nationalist Party leader Adrian Delia, Azzopardi has a history of making adversaries within both political camps. His high-profile role as one of the “17 rebels” who openly opposed Delia’s leadership gained him attention and admiration among certain segments of the party base. However, his uncompromising stance and tendency to make bold, often inflammatory accusations have also alienated him from colleagues within the Nationalist Party.
Over time, Azzopardi’s combative style has isolated him from not only the Labour Party but also several of his PN colleagues. His clash with Delia, which ultimately led to Delia’s ouster, positioned Azzopardi as a fierce critic within his own party. While his unrelenting approach earned him praise from those opposed to Delia, it also deepened divisions within the PN, leaving Azzopardi politically marginalised.
Carmelo Abela: A Victory for Justice
Meanwhile, Carmelo Abela expressed relief and gratitude for the court’s decision, declaring: “Justice was served today. Thanks to God and my family and friends who always believed in me and suffered with me.” His comments received widespread support on social media, with many Maltese expressing solidarity and reaffirming their belief in his integrity.
One commenter wrote: “Prosit, ma kellix dubju.” Others echoed similar sentiments: “Qatt ma kelli l-ebda dubju mill-integrita tieghek. Nispera li terġa ssib postok fil-Parlament għax hemm jixraqlek.”
Despite the lengthy legal process, which saw Abela’s name dragged into controversy, his supporters were vocal in celebrating what they viewed as a hard-fought vindication. Another supporter, commented: “Mhux ovvja, kulhadd jaf x’raġel ġenwin int, speċjalment aħna ż-Żwieten. Qatt ma kelli l-iċken dubju fuq l-innoċenza tiegħek dwar dan il-każ.”
Libel Law Reform on the Horizon
There is ongoing debate over Malta’s libel laws. PM Robert Abela recently defended the need for reform, while warning against potential abuse by certain cliques. He stressed that while reforms to defamation laws are necessary to protect individuals from baseless accusations, safeguards must be in place to prevent these legal avenues from being misused for personal or political gain.
Abela’s stance is shared by several political figures who believe Malta’s current libel laws may not adequately deter those who recklessly make unfounded accusations. As Abela remarked, “There are some who are misusing this legal avenue to settle personal and political scores under the guise of public interest.”
A Broader Political Implication
Azzopardi’s loss in the libel case highlights the delicate balance between free speech and defamation in Maltese politics. His defeat underscores the risks of using inflammatory rhetoric without sufficient evidence, especially in a political climate where accusations often serve as a tool for political point-scoring.
Known for his combative style and his willingness to turn adversaries out of both Labour and his own PN colleagues, Azzopardi’s latest defeat only adds to the controversies that have defined his career. His promise to appeal and his accusations of judicial error are in keeping with his established pattern of refusing to back down, even when facing legal defeat.
For now, Carmelo Abela can take solace in a court ruling that has, at least temporarily, restored his reputation, while Azzopardi faces the uphill battle of an appeal that could take the case to the European Court of Human Rights.
If you or someone you know has been affected by defamatory statements or are interested in the intersection of law, politics, and free speech in Malta, share this article on social media or send it to a friend to spread awareness of this important issue.
