Watch: PL MP Carmelo Abela Tears Up In Parliament After Libel Victory
Labour MP Carmelo Abela teared up in Parliament last night as he recounted his family’s relief at his libel victory against Jason Azzopardi over claims of his involvement in an HSBC heist.
“The people spreading this lie didn’t care about hurting my wife, who was passing through illness, my two children, or my parents.”
“Although politicians must have a thicker skin, we are human too and one should at least keep our families in mind.”
Clearly emotional, Abela said he couldn’t continue his speech and received applause of support from his PL colleagues.
However, the sitting became heated when Justice Minister Jonathan Attard accused PN MP Karol Aquilina of laughing at Abela, a claim Aquilina denied.
Abela powered through and managed to conclude his speech.
“I understood a bit of what my family had to go through when I went home after winning the case and saw the expression of joy on their faces, even though they trusted me throughout,” he said.
“After my experience, my appeal is that we should take care of each other. We can disagree with each other but we don’t need to destroy each other and our families.”
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