Fashion retailer’s time period to file libel case over money laundering claims expired

Fashion retailer Dian Izzo's time period within which she was able to file a libel case against PN MP Jason Azzopardi over money laundering claims has expired, the PN MP said on Facebook.

Businesswoman Diane Izzo said in early 2020 that she would be filing a libel suit against Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi on allegations he made on the social media. Azzopardi wrote about Dizz Group's financial situation on Facebook in 2020, calling upon the Economic Crimes Unit to investigate the company for alleged money laundering practices.

"I shall be filing a libel case to safeguard the sterling reputation of my company, our employees and their families," Izzo wrote on Facebook that day.

She had, soon after, filed a judicial protest against Opposition MP Jason Azzopardi, calling upon him to take down a Facebook post in which he maked claims linking the group's outlets to money laundering.

In the protest, filed before the First Hall of the Civil Court, Izzo had said that the Group "is a leading operator in the retail fashion sector and operates several food establishments and other businesses. For the past 20 years, it has built and expanded its business and to date has an impeccable reputation."

A judicial protest is not an action for libel and has no executive power, serving only as a warning that the filer will seek proceedings for damages if the situation persists. No evidence is heard unless the judicial protest is followed up by a court case.

In a Facebook post today, Azzopardi said that the time period during which Izzo was able to file a libel case expired. She didn't do it. Who knows why?"