Independent candidate Arnold Cassola has filed a Freedom of Information request to obtain more details on the conversation Prime Minister Robert Abela had with a magistrate.

Last Sunday, Abela said he had discussed matters pertaining to court issues with a magistrate whose name is as yet undisclosed.

In a request submitted to the Office of the Prime Minister, Cassola said that on 29 January 2023, the Prime Minister Robert Abela said in a speech that he spoke to a Magistrate who told him that even if the Magistrates gave a strict penalty, this would be overturned in the Court of Appeal.

Cassola asked for:

1. The identity of the Magistrate who Prime Minister Robert Abela talked with.

2. The date, place and time of the conversation which Prime Minister Robert Abela had with the Magistrate.

3. The format of the conversation (face-to-face/Whatsapp/ social media/email/voice recording/letter/other?)

4. Identity of other sitting Magistrates and/or sitting Judges which the Prime Minister has discussed matters relating to Court in private and not in a formal setting.