NGO Repubblika called out Prime Minister Robert Abela for “making a mockery of parliament” and “bullying the judiciary” as threatening democracy.
This was referring to Abela calling a public inquiry into the death of Jean Paul Sofia, while also blasting the delays in the magisterial inquiry investigating the same case. Abela made this announcement on Monday a little over an hour before thousands gathered in front of Castille for Sofia’s vigil.
20-year-old Sofia died on 3 December after a building collapsed on him in Corradino, since the magisterial inquiry into his death is still ongoing and after many months of Sofia’s family and the Opposition calling for a public inquiry, Abela announced that a public inquiry will be launched.
Repubblika released a statement expressing its concern with how Abela is treating the country’s institutions and how this is undermining their independence.
The government shot down the Opposition’s motion to call a public inquiry into the death of Sofia by voting in favour of an amendment which only calls for a speedier magisterial inquiry and removes any mention of a public inquiry. However, only five days later, Abela blamed the magisterial inquiry for “dragging its feet” and called a public inquiry, contrary to what was decided in parliament.
“Parliament is not a band club that the Prime Minister can ignore as and when he sees fit. If we continue like this we could remove parliament and make Robert Abela a dictator,” Repubblika said.
Abela has sent multiple letters to the Chief Justice insisting that the magisterial inquiry is concluded. When referring to these letters, Repubblika said that these letters abuse all the judiciary because now they have also become subject to letters of reprimand and admonition by the Prime Minister.
Although everyone wanted a public inquiry to be called, Repubblika said that it was unacceptable for Abela to take the law into his own hand because “he is bored waiting for the Court.”
It further added that Abela has acted heartlessly when he ignored Sofia’s family when they were shouting at him inside and outside parliament after the vote when he attended a concert at Gigenti Palace right after the vote and when he left Malta on his yacht in the middle of this crisis.
Abela was trying to cover up someone when he was lying and discrediting the process of the public inquiry during parliament, Repubblika said.