Robert Aquilina has resigned from the post of Honorary President of Repubblika following reports on Saturday about an alleged domestic violence case.

He strongly denies any wrongdoing, and said he took this step to ensure that "no one uses this case to undermine the just cause that Repubblika is fighting for our country."

Aquilina was questioned by the police over an alleged domestic incident on Saturday. The altercation is believed to have taken place on Friday evening in Aquilina's home.  

A police officer on fixed point in front of his house intervened when he heard shouting coming from inside the home.  MaltaToday reported that a magistrate refused a request for his arrest, and Aquilina was instead summoned to the Police HQ in Floriana on Saturday afternoon.

Aquilina was interrogated by police at the corps' Floriana headquarters.

Repubblika said that it received Aquilina's letter of resignation from the post of honorary president and has accepted it.

Posting on Facebook on Sunday, Aquilina said he "categorically and absolutely denies" that he did anything wrong.

"What I said to the Police I will not repeat in public, out of respect and love for the privacy of the family members involved. I will only say that regarding the allegations made, the Duty Magistrate refused to issue an arrest warrant that the Police Commissioner had requested against me. I also add that after speaking with the Police, I was sent home with my family," Aquilina said.

"These facts alone carry significant meaning, especially in cases of this nature. However, I cannot fail to point out that the Police Corps under the command of Commissioner Gafà, even at such a delicate moment for my family, had no issue leaking private information to third parties to the extent that I found photographers waiting for me as I arrived for my meeting with the police."

"Yes, in recent months and years our marriage went through very difficult moments which, with a heavy heart, I say will lead us to go our separate ways. As I have always respected everyone's privacy, I ask that the privacy of our family be respected during these hard times, if only out of respect for our three children, who are minors."

"With immediate effect I have resigned as a member of Repubblika and therefore will no longer serve as Honorary President of the same organization. I took this step both to protect the privacy of my family and to ensure that no one uses this case to undermine the just cause that Repubblika is fighting for our country," Aquilina said.

"My representation of Fondazione Falcone is being suspended, and I am also suspending myself from the General Council of the same foundation. I take this opportunity to thank all those who have offered their support to our family at this time."

Women's Rights Foundation 'condemns decision not to issue arrest warrant'

In a statement on Facebook, the Women's Rights Foundation said that without going into the merits of the case and based on what is reported in the media, it "fully condemns the decision not to issue the arrest warrant."

"Intimate partner violence and domestic violence are not private matters! Authorities have the obligation to ensure immediate and effective protection for all victims, irrespective who the perpetrator is or possible political fallout. In cases where the risk assessment shows that the victim is at high risk, authorities always have to err on the side of caution and protect the victim first, before any other consideration," the foundation said.

"This case shows that we need to better our legislation, have compulsory training for the judiciary too and have protective measure and policies that are applied in a consistent and stern manner in order to keep the perpetrators in check and the victims safe."