Independent MP Konrad Mizzi said today it does not make sense for him to testify before the public inquiry into the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Testifying before the inquiry would have meant being asked questions from “two prominent Nationalist Party politicians”, he said in a statement, referring to Jason Azzopardi and Therese Comodini Cachia, who are parte civile for the Caruana Galizia family.
Mizzi is serving as an independent MP after being kicked out of the Labour Party in June. He is due to testify before the inquiry on Friday.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Mizzi said the public inquiry has been politicised and key members of the Nationalist Party are playing a crucial role. This has utterly politicised the inquiry and its agenda.
"As a Government Minister, I have always carried out my duties in the best interests of the public and of the country. The results we have achieved as a Government created an environment where I have been the PN’s favourite whipping boy. Mud was thrown without ever bothering to produce a shred of evidence.
"My political adversaries have maliciously created suspicions to get rid of me and thus weaken the Movement which I tirelessly worked in. This inquiry has deviated from its original purpose, and I am concerned that it is being used to pursue a purely political agenda. This was meant to be an inquiry into a heinous crime; the murder of a journalist.
"No allegations were ever made about me in this context. It does not make sense for me to testify in this public inquiry in front of two prominent Nationalist party politicians. It is clear that their sole aim is to turn this into a Star Chamber, and trash the highly successful record of our Government. I understand the purpose, but will not be playing along with the charade.
"Whilst welcoming any lawful investigation, I stress that this must be done in full compliance with the law. As a number of investigations are currently underway by various institutions, I have no choice but to wait for full disclosure by these institutions, in order for me to clear my name.
"I realise that some will have little sympathy, but I hope they will understand nevertheless that I am not duty-bound to prostate myself in front of my political assassins.
"Every project and initiative I have led and been responsible for, was carried out in the best interest of the country. And I profoundly believe that the Maltese and Gozitan public’s lives have been improved by our work. Of course, I have regrets. But I would also reiterate that every initiative I led was supported enthusiastically by the Cabinet of Ministers."