Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1520358
7 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 8 MAY 2024 NEWS PN leader Bernard Grech blast- ed Prime Minister Robert Abela for "fanning the flames" with his recent rhetoric surrounding the hospitals inquiry. In a press conference on Tues- day morning, Grech condemned Abela's accusation that some journalists formed part of the so called "establishment." Abela was speaking during a press conference held on Mon- day hours after criminal charges were filed against former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and oth- er senior figures of the adminis- tration. "Yesterday we saw a Prime Minister held hostage by a devil's pact," Grech said. He also reacted to the revelation that the police had issued crimi- nal charges against 19 individuals - some of them occupying public roles - in connection with the Vi- tals magisterial inquiry. "None of those facing criminal charges should occupy a pub- lic post," Grech said. Abela had ruled out automatically suspend- ing public officials facing crim- inal charges as is normally the case. The PN leader noted that if any "regular person" faced criminal charges while working within the public sector, they would be sus- pended. Grech blasted Abela's special treatment towards those who "truly form part of the es- tablishment." On Abela's persistent use of the word "establishment" on Mon- day, Grech noted that this is a sign of a panicked man whose back is against a wall. The Op- position leader said that Abela and Joseph Muscat are the true establishment, having led Malta for the past 11 years. During the press conference, Grech said the Attorney Gen- eral (AG) has yet to publish the magisterial inquiry and alleged a copy had been given to the Prime Minister. Grech also noted calls for pro- tests outside the law courts made by Labour propagandist Ema- nuel Cuschieri and accused Ab- ela of fanning the flames by using language that undermined the credibility of the justice system. Grech warned that Abela's words and Cuschieri's rhetoric could lead to serious consequences. Bernard Grech blasts Abela for fanning the flames and attacking journalists THE Institute of Journalists has criticised "un- acceptable remarks" by the Prime Minister in accusing some journalists of being part of the so called "establishment" and implying they are en- emies of the state. "At a time when the country is on the brink of an election and when a serious case that may have political ramifications will be dealt with by the courts soon, the prime minister should not instigate hate towards journalists and the media," the institute said. The comments were made by Robert Abela during a press conference held on Monday hours after criminal charges were filed against former prime minister Joseph Muscat and other senior figures of the administration. During the press conference Abela came out swinging, accusing journalists hailing from certain media houses of helping the establish- ment. "The IGM calls on the Prime Minister to moderate his language. After all, journalists are just doing their duty when asking ques- tions and holding the country's authorities, whoever they are, accountable for their ac- tions," the IGM said. The IGM expressed its full support and sol- idarity with journalists at this moment and urges them to continue with their work with- out fear or favour. 'Moderate your language' IGM tells Prime Minister Opposition leader Bernard Grech charges and & Co. proceedings by summons, there is no need for bail. What are the charges? Not all individuals are facing the same charges. Joseph Muscat and Konrad Mizzi are being charged with money laundering, fraud and making fraudulent gain, as well as conspiracy to commit an offence punishable by imprison- ment for more than four years and participating in a criminal organisation with more than 10 members. They are also being charged with accepting bribes and corruption in public office. Keith Schembri is being charged with offences related to the solic- itation of bribes and abuse of his office to exact an unlawful advan- tage "through threats or abuse of authority". Other people are being charged with assisting or facilitating the wrongdoing of the politicians involved, while others have been charged with corrupt- ing public officials. The names of several people who will be charged are public. What about the rest? The charges are understood to have been issued in batches, the first against 14 people and eight companies. The rest will be charged in another batch. Will the magistrate hearing the case be the same as the inquiring magistrate? The cases have been divided in two groups and assigned to two different magistrates, neither of whom is the magistrate who led the inquiry. The first batch, which includes Muscat, Mizzi and Schembri, has been assigned to Magistrate Rachel Montebello. Will the accused go to jail? This depends on the offences with which they are charged but the more serious offences such as money laundering, corruption, bribery and fraud, all carry prison sentences should guilt be found. There are also other factors and sentencing considerations, which will come into play. Lawyers will no doubt complicate matters further in due course and we don't recommend you hold your breath. It will be a long time be- fore these cases are concluded. There is a tactical downside to charging suspects by summons, because the law does not oblige the police to send for or interrogate – or even inform – the suspects before deciding to issue the charges