The Government announced this evening that it has appointed Judge Philip Sciberras to lead an independent inquiry into the abduction of two German boys who were living in Gozo. The children were secretly flown out of Malta two weeks ago by German social workers, who had insisted they were taking them to the beach.

A court said on Thursday that Appogg had shown it was “less able” to take care of the children than the mothers themselves.

In a statement the Social Solidarity Ministry said it closely followed the court’s declaration and informed the head of the Foundation for Welfare Services that, apart from the ongoing investigation in which the police are involved, there will also be an independent inquiry. 

The Ministry denied claims by the Opposition and insisted that it had replied to all questions by MPs and by the press on the subject and had never excluded the possibility of an investigation. Mr Justice Siberras will have full access to all information related to the case, said the Ministry. 

The Nationalist Party, which had earlier called for an independent inquiry after the court’s declaration on Appogg, welcomed the news. “The news that the government has launched an inquiry at our request proves that the Nationalist Opposition is functioning well and is ensuring that things are done right in this country.”

The PN said that, for the sake of transparency and the interest of children, the inquiry should be an independent one and Judge Sciberras should be given all the information that he requests.