Today, the first batch of those who stand charged over the infamous hospitals deal will appear in court.

Among those appearing in court on charges today are former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, his former Chief of Staff Keith Schembri, former minister Konrad Mizzi as well as Nexia BT’s Brian Tonna and Karl Cini.

Others, like Member of Parliament Chris Fearne – who resigned from the post of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister after the news of the charges broke, and Governor of the Central Bank Edward Scicluna who has not stepped down, will be in court on Wednesday.

The courts will determine who is innocent and who is guilty. Those who are found guilty of the hospitals scandal, which was already described as fraudulent by the court when the contract was annulled, must face the consequences for their crime.

At this stage, one hopes that the Attorney General, who has been heavily criticised in the past for actions, or lack of action, on other issues is taking this with the utmost seriousness and that the lawyers picked will be the very best of the best. It will be a complicated case after all, and there is no room for blunder by the prosecution. Those who are guilty of a crime must pay the price, those who are truly innocent must be found innocent.

Another point to raise is the Prime Minister’s comments regarding the magisterial inquiry, where he raised questions about the timing of the conclusion, and had even insinuated that it should have been finished within 60 days. His comments saw public outcry, and were described as attacks on the judiciary. The Prime Minister should have refrained from speaking that way.

It is ridiculous to expect an inquiry of this magnitude, with such an intricate web of companies and jurisdictions to weave through, to be completed within a 60-day timespan. Abela, as a lawyer should know this... perhaps he does but it did not suit his political narrative. The Prime Minister should not have politicised the issue with his comments. The courts must be allowed to conduct their work serenely.

A demonstration in support of Muscat outside the courts has been called by his close allies. People have a right to demonstrate, but one cannot stress the importance of the demonstration remaining peaceful in such a tense period. Protection for journalists has been provided just in case. Concerns are raised due to the Prime Minister’s statement attacking journalists a few weeks back, where he made comments about ‘the establishment’ where he for instance alleged that a journalist was being fed questions by them. In a country where a few years ago a journalist was brutally assassinated, such comments are dangerous, especially when he has painted ‘the establishment’ as being the enemy of the Labour Party.

Today will see the first people facing charges appear in court. The process is not one that is expected to conclude within a few weeks, but one thing is for sure. The courts must be left to do their work without interference and pressure.