He was also charged with simulating an offence, fabricating evidence and false news and defaming several people.

Zahra, who was represented by Dr Joe Giglio, pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him.

He was later released on Lm200 bail, a personal guarantee of Lm20,000 and after depositing his passport and identity card in court.

Dr Giglio referred to the report carried last week by this paper and categorically denied that his client had ever sent a report on allegations of corruption in the Mater Dei Hospital contract to the Prime Minister and also that he asked the Prime Minister for Lm1 million, or any other sum of money, as blackmail, compensation or in any other way to provide information to the Prime Minister.