‘Government, minister and police have a lot to answer on Engerer case’ – PL
Labour back on the attack over the Cyrus Engerer case and has reiterated its call for two independent inquiries to establish facts and motives behind alleged intereference and motivations.
In a statement issued jointly by Michael Falzon and Jose’ Herrera - respectively Labour spokesmen on home affairs and justice – the Labour Party expressed concern at the way a court summons which had just been registered was leaked to the press well before the accused was even notified.
Falzon and Herrera, explained that according to Article 518 of the Criminal Code says that criminal proceedings are confidential, and nobody except for the accused and the prosecution may have access to the file.
Both spokesmen expressed dismay at the fact that the charges are almost two years old and were suddenly brought to light and amplified in the media.
“Without entering into the merits of the case, we feel ourselves dutybound to express our concern about the existence of a ‘hidden hand’ that seems to be attempting to orchestrate against a particular individual, in this case who had just made a move to Labour after abandoning Lawrence Gonzi,” Falzon and Herrera said.
They added that government, the responsible minister and the police have plenty to respond to under the circumstances.
While reiterating the call made by Labour leader Joseph Muscat for two separate inquiries, one to investigate alleged interference in police work by , Edgar Galea Curmi, and another on how confidential information was leaked to the media.
Labour also said that it is in disagreement with government over the appointment of Judge Albert Manche to head the government appointed inquiry, who does not enjoy the trust of the Opposition.