PN MP Jason Azzopardi said this evening he has called in the police report after PL media journalists showed up outside of his legal office to “intimidate him.”

Dr Azzopardi has been under fire by the PL over the Lowenbrau land transfer deal for the past few weeks.  

“A few moments ago PL journalists – sent by the corrupt clique in Castille – came outside my private office with the aim of intimidating me. This is part of the PL’s campaign of hatred against me – attacks planned inside the Office of the PM and which are being carried out by Justice Minister Owen Bonnici and the Labour Party media,” Dr Azzopardi said in a statement.

The PN MP said he informed the police about this development. “I expect the police to do their duty and stop this intimidation by the PL media.”

Dr Azzopardi said no amount of intimidation would stop him from revealing government corruption. 

Reacting, the PL said Dr Azzopardi had been caught with his back against the wall and, instead of replying to questions, he had reported journalists to the police.

It noted that he had not filed for libel against Zaren Vassallo, who told a court that the minister responsible for lands had promised him a compromise.” 

In a statement the institute of Maltese journalists, IĠM, said it condemned all forms of intimidation against journalists. “Following todays’ case, in which a journalist was reported to the police during the course of her duties in a public place, the institute reiterates that journalists should be allowed to do their job.”

The IĠM said journalists have a duty to seek answers from politicians, politically exposed persons and public officials. Journalists have a right to ask the questions they feel are in the public interest, it said.