Times removes online article after Konrad Mizzi sues

Minister Konrad Mizzi filed libel proceedings this morning against the

Times of Malta

with regards to its front page story “Investor in Mizzi firm linked to corruption”.

Mizzi said that The story in question is riddled with lies and outright fabrications. The only shareholders of Hearnville Inc. are Orion Trust (New Zealand) Limited as trustees of the Rotorua Trust. There are no other shareholders, and definitely no investors in the company, which as confirmed has no funds or bank accounts.

Mizzi said that contrary to the statements made in this article, the revelations made by ICIJ and the documentation published concerning the matter have completely vindicated the facts as freely and willingly divulged, and that he is satisfied with the rigour and honesty that they have treated the information disclosed. It is unfortunate that the

Times

has not acted with the same rigour and honesty said Konrad Mizzi.

After the news broke, the times removed the story from its online portal. The story was however also published on The Times front page today.

This is not the first libel suit filed by Minister Mizzi. He had also filed libel proceedings against PN Deputy Leader Beppe Fenech Adami.

Despite declaring the contrary, PN Leader Simon Busuttil failed in more than one occasion to repeat allegations outside parliament but only stated that Minister Mizzi has millions stashed in foreign accounts in parliament where he is protected by parliamentary privilege.