PN calls on Ombudsman to investigate upheld army complaints

PN home affairs spokesman Jason Azzopardi has requested the Ombudsman to investigate the complaints of alleged injustices within the army upheld by the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) complaints board.

In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the House, the PN spokesman said he was requesting the Parliamentary Ombudsman to investigate the methodology of the board and to report and make any recommendations on the process adopted by the board.

Azzopardi also requested the Ombudsman to investigate the complaints and the Board's decision where complaints were upheld.

Last month, Home Affairs minister Manuel Mallia said the Army Grievances Board received 318 complaints over a two-month period, 213 of which were investigated. Mallia had also said that the Board had upheld several reports of injustice and claimed that some grievances were politically related.

However, Jason Azzopardi has insisted that in appointing the board, Manuel Mallia undermined the Ombusdman's role.

"The House believes that the best interests of citizens are safeguarded when the office of the Ombudsman is strengthened and not undermined," Azzopardi said.