Two Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) officers yesterday filed an application the First Hall of the Civil Court, in its constitutional jurisdiction, claiming that their rights to a fair hearing had been breached and called on the authorities to allow them to give their version of events.

Lieutenant Colonel Mario Schembri and Major Pierre Vassallo filed the application against Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and AFM Commander Brigadier Carmel Vassallo.

In the writ, Major Vassallo claimed that he was eligible for a promotion due to his qualifications and seniority, but was overlooked in the last batch of promotions that took place on 17 October 2006. Furthermore, he said, he was demoted from SO1 Logistics.

Lieutenant Colonel Schembri claimed that he too was demoted from the rank of SO1 Personal Administration and now had nothing to do.

The two officers said they put forward their complaint before the AFM Brigadier, who informed them that they did not pass security clearance by the National Security Authority and that there was a complaint filed against them. However, they added, they were not informed about the filed complaint.

In a letter to the Commissioner of Security Service Mr Justice Frank Camilleri, the two men said that their right to a fair hearing in front of the relevant authorities was denied, as they were not given the opportunity to give their version of events.

The officials requested the court to revoke the decision taken by the National Security Authority, AFM commander and Mr Justice Camilleri, while giving the applicants the opportunity to defend themselves. Dr Jose Herrera and Dr Anglu Farrugia signed the writ.