Justice Minister Jonathan Attard has criticised the request made by the prosecution for a gagging order in the hospitals corruption case, saying that this is disproportionate.

Speaking on the Labour Party radio station, Attard said he had a duty to express himself on the court order, while respecting the rights of both the prosecution and the defence.

The order was even more disproportionate given the leaks from the inquiry, he said.

Attard explained that what was requested by the court was what was expected by all those who believed in the basic principles of justice. 

But it was worth remembering that sittings were held in open court, he said.

Attard said he understood that the prosecution did not want a trial by media, but he felt that the prosecution should also make sure that the source of the leakages was properly investigated so as to safeguard the independence of the judicial process.