The government this evening admitted that Martin Galea had indeed been abducted in Libya, with the head of civil service Mario Cutajar – who on Wednesday had said that the government had never used the word “abduction” – today saying that the man had been kidnapped.

This admission came after the interview published today by The Malta Independent, in which the former AFM captain recounts the experience. Mr Galea speaks of being threatened, shot at, forced to beat himself and overhearing his captors discuss his execution.

Civil chief Mario Cutajar, in yet another informal meeting with journalists today, made specific reference to the interview.

Mr Cutajar said that as soon as Mr Galea returned to Malta, he was admitted to hospital for a check up, however medical tests did not show any signs of violence. Sweat sores proved that he was held abducted in an unhygienic place.

Kurt Farrugia

Government spokesperson Kurt Farrugia that prior to the interview published by The Malta Independent, the government could not confirm the abduction because it was still ‘piecing the pieces together’.

Martin Galea

Asked who the protagonist was in Mr Galea’s release, Mr Farrugia said ‘ the government is not after trying to establish some form of hero, the important thing is that Mr Galea is home safe and sound.’

Mr Farrugia added that the government did not restrict Mr Galea from talking to any media.

In other developments, eight patients from Libya were admitted to hospital yesterday, with four in intensive care. 64 individuals have arrived from Libya through commercial flights, five of which are Maltese citizens.

The government has once again reiterated its advice against all travel to Libya. 

He said that a number of Filipinos, Indians and Chinese were being brought over to Malta as they are evacuated from Libya.

 

Other foreigners held captive with Martin Galea

Martin Galea: You've read the story, now hear ir from him   I prayed for a quick death - Martin Galea