Robert Abela: ‘If I Was In JeanPaul Sofia’s Parents’ Situation, I Would Have Done Much Worse’
Prime Minister Robert Abela has just stated that his reaction would have been much worse if he was in the position of JeanPaul Sofia’s parents seven months after their son’s death.
This comes following the nationwide backlash which ensued after the Labour Party took an unpopular and controversial decision – by voting against opening a public inquiry into Sofia’s untimely and tragic death.
“If I was in their position, I would have done much worse, if seven months later I was still knocking on the Parliament’s door,” Abela said in a live exclusive interview with MaltaToday when asked to comment about the parents’ reaction.
“On an emotional level, I’m the first one to be worried, I’m very worried about this case.”
“It hurts me that they think I’m hiding something, it’s not true. I’ll walk the entire rest of the road to justice with them,” he continued.
However, he remained strongly committed to his position, saying that justice will be assured through the magisterial inquiry, and that a public one is not needed.
“I have no doubt about the integrity and seriousness of the Magistrate, yes she might be taking long, but we know her final product will be adequate,” he said.
Throughout the interview, he blamed the Nationalist Party for taking advantage of the situation for political gain. He also said that it’s because of the PN that the family is so adamant to have a public inquiry opened.
“The impression is being given that this sector untouchable, and that it’s is being protected by the Labour Party, it’s not true. This is a worrying narrative,” he said.
“Sofia’s parents are being made to believe that it’s only a public inquiry that will bring justice for their son,” he said, accusing the PN of fuelling this belief.
“We’re not hiding anything, and the state is not trying to brush this off.”
Abela also once again categorically denied that he has any form of relationship, be it professional, political or social, with Kurt Buhagiar, the man which the land that caused Sofia’s death was leased to.
Asked whether he regretted going to the gathering in Girgenti, he solemnly said that yes, he could have not gone, but it had been planned from some time ago.
Yesterday’s vote in Parliament truly shocked the nation, after all 40 Labour Party members voted against the motion to open a public inquiry. Meanwhile, 32 votes in favour were recorded.
Here’s a run through of who the 40 Labour MPs who voted against are.
What do you make of Robert Abela’s words today?
READ NEXT: These Are The 40 Labour MPs Who Voted Against A Public Inquiry Into JeanPaul Sofia's Death
