Former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has thanked supporters who on Tuesday “civilly” and “serenely” showed their solidarity with him and his family when he was to court to face criminal charges following the magisterial inquiry into the hospitals’ deal.

Muscat, along with others including former minister Konrad Mizzi and former OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri, is facing criminal charges related to corruption and money laundering.

Referring to the "hundreds" who were in Valletta showing him their support, he said that the country has reached a level of maturity that allows everyone to sound their voice in a civil manner while showing respect to others.

In a two-minute video on Facebook, Muscat says he would have liked to share his views on the court proceedings but has been prohibited from doing so by the magistrate on the request of the prosecution.

Muscat said he respects the decision but is pensive about an attorney general in a European member state that denies someone’s freedom of expression. 

He concluded in saying that he looks forward to update the people on the next steps he will take "with respect to democracy and the rule of law".