[WATCH] Prime Minister, Mizzi, Schembri attend money laundering inquiry appeal hearing

Prime Minister, Mizzi, Schembri attend money laundering inquiry appeal hearing

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, outgoing leader of the Opposition Simon Busuttil, tourism minister Konrad Mizzi, OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri and former Allied Newspapers managing director Adrian Hillman gathered in judge Antonio Mizzi’s courtroom this morning as their lawyers prepared to make submissions in seven appeals filed against the launch of an inquiry into money laundering allegations involving high-ranking government officials. 

Today's sitting before the Court of Criminal Appeal was not open to the public and media. In the last hearing in August, Judge Antonio Mizzi had ordered the press and public out of the courtroom as the Court of Criminal Appeal was about to start hearing submissions in seven appeals.

[SLIDESHOW] Prime Minister Joseph Muscat

Opposition leader Simon Busuttil

OPM chief of staff, Keith Schembri

Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi. Photo: James Bianchi

Former Allied Newspapers managing director, Adrian Hillman

At the end of today's sitting, PN MP Jason Azzopardi - who is assisting Busuttil in the court case - told reporters outside the court that a decision will be delivered next week on whether sittings can be held in open court.

The Prime Minister refused to give comments, stating that he "cannot comment on court proceedings".

Seven appeals were filed against Magistrate Ian Farrugia’s decision to launch an inquiry into money laundering allegations following a court request filed by Busuttil.

Also pending is a decision on a request by Busuttil that judge Mizzi recuses himself from hearing the seven appeals.

Busuttil has accused Muscat of delaying tactics, after the latter – along with the other names implicated in the Panama Papers revelations – asked for a week’s time to reply whether court sittings should be open to the media or not.

“This is the biggest corruption scandal of our country. Citizens have a right to know whether those leading the country are corrupt or not. Even if left alone, I will keep on calling for justice,” Busuttil said.

In a reaction, the Labour Party accused Busuttil of delaying the process by requesting the recusal of judge Mizzi.

“If it weren’t for Simon Busuttil, the appeals would have already kicked off. Yet, he keeps on insisting that he wants the judge to change,” the PL said in a statement.

It went on to add that Busuttil should instead state how he plans on shouldering responsibility “if it’s confirmed that his campaign against the Prime Minister and his family was a lie”.

“Will he resign his parliamentary seat and shoulder responsibility?” the party asked.