NGO Repubblika on Wednesday condemned the "oppressive and intimidating" attack by the government against former Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri, which the NGO said is a "cruel and unjustified" retaliation on whoever dares oppose the government.

In a statement, Repubblika noted how Justice Minister Jonathan Attard on Tuesday made remarks against the Camilleri, saying that his comments on the magisterial inquiry "were partisan and should not have been made by a former judge".

Not all those who are opposing the government have partisan motives, Repubblika said.

During his career, Camilleri faithfully served the Maltese State without favouring anyone, and without leaving any doubt as to his integrity and professionalism. Now that he has retired, Camilleri has no personal ambition and the government would do well to listen to his experienced and mature opinion.

The government is not obliged to agree with Camilleri, but it is obliged to counter the arguments with other arguments, and not personally attack the judge in Parliament and on the Labour Party TV station.

With its action, the government is saying that whoever is against it is to be disposed of. "This absolutism and intimidation are fascist tactics that have no place in a democracy," Repubblika said.