NGO Repubblika this afternoon tried to contain the damage to its credibility caused by the publication of the magisterial inquiry report, which found that allegations of murder it made against the Prime Minister and AFM Commander are unfounded.

A magisterial inquiry has cleared Robert Abela and Jeffrey Curmi that they had caused the deaths of a number of migrants. It also cleared the AFM’s P52 crew of allegations of attempted murder.

In a statement, the NGO said that a criminal complaint is not an allegation of a crime, but a request for an investigation.

The NGO said that a magisterial inquiry is not a judicial process, and cannot find anyone innocent or guilty. Its task is to look for proof.

It said that it had filed the complaint after the government had failed to give an answer on what happened to the migrants after 12 died. It was a way to establish the facts, the NGO said.

It should be normal practice that when people die the matter is investigated. Repubblika said it had acted out of duty when it requested an investigation. If the government fails it its duties, the NGO will continue to call for an investigation when deaths are linked to government action or inaction.

The NGO said it hoped the institutions carried out their work to the best of their abilities. The police, government, army, judiciary, parliament and civil society have the legal and moral obligation to protect life.