PN MP Jason Azzopardi put forward a series of questions regarding an article published in the Malta Independent today regarding the withdrawal of assault charges on police officers.

The Home Affairs Minister was not present in Parliament as he is abroad. As such, Minister for Tourism Edward Zammit Lewis was designated to answer his questions.

MP Jason Azzopardi asked why the Government has yet to publish a press release on the issue given that a long time has passed since this paper posed the question. Minister Zammit Lewis indicated that this question should be put forward to the Minister of Home Affairs.

Several other questions, including whether any quid pro quo has taken place in this case, or others like it, and reasons as to why this case was allowed to drop, were met with the reply "these questions should be put into writing and sent to Minister Manuel Mallia".

Police Commissioner Peter Paul Zammit (above) failed to explain why charges against a man who ‘assaulted’ four police officers inside the Zabbar police station last year were first suspended and then completely withdrawn.