In a statement issued on Friday morning, Repubblika stated that it is imperative to prevent criminal organisations from using their resources to intimidate state officials committed to upholding justice. Threats and intimidation targeting investigators, prosecutors, and magistrates cannot be tolerated, nor can the silence of a society confronted with mafia-style tactics aimed at evading accountability.
Repubblika said that Joseph Muscat, Malta’s former Prime Minister, has been accused of orchestrating a campaign against a court expert who compiled critical evidence in the corruption inquiry related to the hospitals deal. Reports suggest that Muscat’s actions are an attempt to undermine the credibility of this expert because the evidence she presented poses a direct challenge to him and his associates.
Rather than addressing the evidence itself, Muscat is allegedly focusing on discrediting and intimidating the professional who gathered it. Notably, this same expert was previously involved in the Egrant inquiry, where her credentials were not questioned. At that time, Muscat himself did not challenge her role. Now, however, he appears to view her as an obstacle to the impunity he seeks.
Simultaneously, Jason Micallef, a spokesperson for Muscat’s circle, has reportedly issued threats of retaliation against those contributing to the legal case against the former Prime Minister. These threats are seen as a deliberate strategy to silence state officials committed to their legal and ethical duties.
It is vital to reiterate that such intimidation tactics cannot and will not be tolerated, Repubblika emphasised. Malta’s institutions and their officials must be supported in their mission to combat organised crime and uphold the rule of law without fear of reprisal. Joseph Muscat, like any other citizen, is entitled to a fair hearing, but no one is entitled to threaten those tasked with safeguarding justice.
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