Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika (AD), Professor Arnold Cassola, said that comments by both Prime Minsiter Joseph Muscat and Nationalist Party Leader Simon Busuttil in relation to Magistrate Aaron Bugeja are 'embarassing'.

Professor Cassola was speaking at a news conference in Mosta this morning, where he said that "it is embarrassing that two people aspiring to become Prime Minister, Dr Joseph Muscat and Dr Simon Busuttil, put unacceptable pressure on Magistrate Aaron Bugeja to condition his work," according to a press release.

Professor Cassola was referring to Prime Minister Joseph Muscat's comment that Magistrate Aaron Bugeja will have to 'shoulder responsibility' if the former loses the election, resigns, and then is found to be cleared by the magisterial inquiry on the Egrant Case.

Nationalist Party Leader Simon Busuttil had previously said that he would not understand if Magistrate Bugeja does not arrive at a conclusion where the accused are not found guilty, the press release said. 

"Such statements show how Muscat as well as Busuttil seem to arrogantly be ignorning the fact that the judiciary is independent and in no way should be intimidated and conditioned by politicians whilst they are leading their investigations," the press release said.

Spokesperson for AD Mario Mallia reiterated that what we are going through today is a 'result of a crisis of political class in general'.  "This is resulting in a shortage of trust in politics," he said, accusing the parties of mudslinging.

AD insisted firmly that the institutions are strengthened and are independent, and called for a constitutional change in order for politics to be cleaned and trust to be restored.