Mother Of Four Sued By Notary Ivan Barbara’s Widow After Saying She Belongs In Prison
A Maltese woman is being accused of smearing the reputation of the widow of a late notary by saying she is a thief and belongs in jail, among other things.
A fundraiser has been set up for the woman who is described as a mother of four that works a minimum wage job. The libel claims were initiated by Rosanne Barbara Zarb, the widow of notary Ivan Barbara.
The court case stems from public comments made in the Facebook group Victims of Notary Ivan Barbara and Rosanne Barbara Zarb Court Updates – a group for the former clients of the late notary who suddenly died after a trip to India.
His untimely death has opened up a bitter struggle over missing deposits.
Around 23 of his former clients say they collectively have around €165,000 still locked up in his accounts in deposits for property agreements.
The group acts as a space for the clients to share updates and support as they try to find a way to recover their lost money. However, one person’s online comments led Barbara Zarb to take her to court over defaming her, leading to the group appealing for support for the accused mother.
Lawyer Pawlu Lia filed the suit on behalf of Barbara Zarb.
Some of the comments – filed as screenshots from the group’s page – included in the official court filing are as follows:
“If only you knew how sorry I feel for all of you and how I wish I could help. And she deserves prison!”
“Shame on you, you thief!”
“Won’t Appoġġ step in here and see how this girl is being raised? With corruption and thievery.”
“Pig. Do you know how to feel shame? And if lawyers are helping her do this, they should be ashamed as well!”
The group said the woman made the comments due to the “sheer pain” she felt for the suffering of those who lose their savings and having their dreams of having their own place dashed. They emphasised that she made no threats in her comments.
“Now, Rosanne Barbara Zarb is trying to make this poor woman pay her thousands of euros in damages. This woman is a good woman who feeds cats in her spare time. She lives a humble life and she doesn’t have this kind of money to pay,” the group said.
She’s being asked to pay around €300 in initial court fees ahead of possible thousands in damages. Following this appeal, a number of small donations have already been made. The first court sitting in relation to this case will happen on 6th July.
The group couldn’t help but note that the clients continue to be “victimised” in this whole ordeal.
“We are all victims here, and we continue to be victimised. Believe me, we are normal, hardworking people, and we just can’t handle this continued stress from the courts. If someone can help, please get in contact.”
What do you make of the latest development in the ongoing controversy following Ivan Barbara’s death?
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