New Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela has urged the media, particularly the Opposition media, not to undermine institutions, in this case the Police Force, by publishing unverified reports.
He said that the last two incidents where it has been alleged that police have behaved abusively are being investigated, one case of which has led to a magisterial inquiry.
The other case is being investigated by the police's internal affairs unit, he said. The case involves a woman who reportedly claimed that she felt intimidated by the police while being interrogated at the Qawra police station when the police allegedly asked her repetitive questions. Maltarightnow, the Nationalist Party's portal, published the story earlier this week.
Mr Abela said: "We have no problem in releasing the findings of the magisterial inquiry currently underway, since we have nothing to hide, but it is vital the media does not hinder the work of the police force by publishing not so accurate reports, which may prevent police officers from carrying out their duties".He continued: "I will not defend any police officers who abuse the system but I have to defend those who conduct their work properly."Mr Abela was replying to questions made by this newsroom after a number of claims of police brutality.
The cases did not come out of the blue. Over the past years, there have been a number of claims that police had abused their position. A particular case this newsroom had exclusively reported last year was one involving a Briton whose partner alleged that he was beaten by police.
The Briton is Paul Allen Sneddon, who was released on bail after being charged for assaulting two police officers in St Paul's Bay in August of last year during the Summer Carnival event in Bugibba. His partner, Polish-born Agnes Koba, had gone on record claiming that Mr Sneddon was beaten and strangled by police officers while in their custody.The most recent of allegations involves a man who was allegedly manhandled and beaten by police officers while in a bar in Paceville.
The alleged victim's mother sent a letter to the newly appointed Police Commissioner Michael Cassar urging him to investigate. After receiving the letter, this newsroom sent questions to the Commissioner who said that he has ordered a magisterial inquiry.
The incident allegedly took place on New Year's Day. It is understood that the alleged victim in question was smoking inside an establishment but according to his mother, there were other persons who were smoking as well. After speaking with the Police Commissioner, this newsroom published the story with his comments.
Mr Abela said that the recent claims are still "allegations".