Watch: You Won’t See Muscat In Handcuffs, Robert Abela Vows After Criminal Charges
Prime Minister Robert Abela attempted to play down the severity of the corruption charges issued against Joseph Muscat and several other high-profile people today.
“These people aren’t going to be charged under arrest,” Abela told the press. “It’s a simple arraignment by summons, they will go to court at the date and time indicated, and when the sitting is over, everyone will be able to go home.”
“I know that the Opposition and the establishment were very thirsty to see main exponents in handcuffs in court and sent to Kordin. I’m convinced that some people were thirsty to see this in the first sitting, but they are being arraigned by summons so it won’t happen.”
Abela once again criticised magistrate Gabriella Vella for concluding the inquiry at the start of the ongoing election campaign and said he is sure some magistrates and judges harbour similar doubts about the timing.
He also criticised the authorities for not giving the suspects a chance to explain their positions before arraigning them, and suggested their basic rights could have been denied.
“I am convinced that Joseph Muscat and others are looking forward to the first sitting because it will expose the way certain basic rights were allegedly denied to them. I trust the institutions to fix this injustice.”
He played down calls by PL activist Emanuel Cuschieri for Muscat supporters to take to the streets in protest at the way situation has played out.
“I am convinced that Joseph Muscat himself will appeal for calm. I know him well and I am sure that he will pass on a message for absolute calm and for people not to succumb to provocation.”
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