Chris Said acquitted of perjury charges, PM: 'reappointment' after appeal process

UPDATE 2 16.15: Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has said that considerations for Chris Said's re-instatement as Parliamentary secretary will have to happen after appeal process is exhausted according to law.

28 October 2010, 12:00am

2 min read

Video : September 23, 2010 shows Chris Said's resignation announcement to the media

Speaking from Brussels where he is attending a European Union summit for Heads of Government, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction at Chris Said's acquittal, but stressed that he cannot consider "re-appointment" before the appeal process is exhausted.

Said, who resigned his post as parliamentary secretary on September 23, was arraigned by order of a Court, that upheld a challenge made by Anthony Xuereb against the police over testimony he gave during a child custody case. He was acquitted by Magistrate Edwina Grima.

The Gozitan MP who stressed that he has been "relieved" at the judgement, said that he went through "martyrdom" during these last few weeks.

Commenting on his Facebook page, Chris Said said: "I thank all those who stood by me through these difficult weeks. Your support gave me the strength and courage I much needed."

On the basis of what Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi had said in a letter sent to Chris Said on his resignation day, it is likely that , he could find himself re-instated as Parliamentary secretary.

Magistrate Edwina Grima who delivered judgement acquitted Chris Said of the charges. The judgement was received with applause from members of Chris Said's family and friends.

In its deliberations, the court stated that "there was absolutely nothing in Chris Said's previous evidence before another Court that was either false or incorrect."

It added that 'all what was said by Said was correct."

In her judgement, Magistrate Edwina Grima rapped Anthony Xuereb over his repeated challenges for the police to prosecute, and lambasted him for abusing the judicial system to win back custody of his child.

"Xuereb cannot continue using the judicial system in a bid to have some form of legal revenge against his son's mother, but should rather ensure the best interests of his son."

The judgement added, that "this prolonged legal battle will lead Xuereb nowhere."

Anthony Xuereb now has four days at law to file an appeal on the court's ruling.

Alfred Galea •

[In its deliberations, the court stated that "there was absolutely nothing in Chris Said's previous evidence before another Court that was either false or incorrect."] With all due respect to the learned magistrate, the same one who released a dangerous criminal charged with the attempted murder of a cop, which was then overturned , WHY did the judge of the court of appeals RECOMMENDED that he be charged with perjury?? Is she saying that he made a bad ruling like she did, if yes why don't she come out and say it?? Or other judges are "out of bounds" when it comes to criticism??

Igor P. Shuvalov •

He went through "martyrdom" during these last few weeks. "Viva San Chris Said"

•

"In her judgement, Magistrate Edwina Grima rapped Anthony Xuereb over his repeated challenges for the police to prosecute, and lambasted him for abusing the judicial system to win back custody of his child." What other means does the Magistrate suggest that Mr Xuereb use in order to "win back custody of his child"? Is the Magistrate suggesting that Mr Xuereb use other means outside the judicial system? Does this reflect the hopeless state of the judicial ssytem?

•

Good luck for Dr Said and bad luck for all the other citizens who have been denied justice years! Considering the amount of lawyers in the Cabinet, how come they did not solve the court delays ? Makes you wonder how they are going to solve other problems not falling under their expertise!

Alfred Galea •

OJ Simpson was found not guilty and acquitted too....but the whole world knows he murdered two people.

Joseph Pellicano •

any body for one second thought that the verdict was going to be different." flimkin kollox possibli"

Helenio Galea •

Chris is a hard hard hard worker and it's great that he can now get back. However, there will be a lot of hurt people who have had to wait years for simpler case rulings. Somebody needs to grab the bull by the horns and get to the root of the problems that cause the delays. Maybe Chris himself who now appreciates the relief a swift conclusion can bring.

Luke Camilleri •

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/hsbc-shootout-suspect-out-on-bail-just-two-months-after-being-charged The same Magistrate Edwina Grima I presume?