The former President and Honorary President of Repubblika, Robert Aquilina, will be interrogated by police from the Criminal Investigations Department tomorrow, he has revealed.

On Monday afternoon, Aquilina shared online that he had just received a phone call from local police from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to be questioned on what he revealed in his book published in 2023 titled, "Pilatus: A Laundromat Bank in Europe."

In this near 700-page book, Aquilina published evidence related to fraud, money laundering from criminal activities, and, in his words, a cover-up that was carried out between the Police Commissioner and the Attorney General.

The Police informed Aquilina that Tuesday's interrogation was ordered by Magistrate Nadine Sant Lia. The order for interrogation was issued for the police to learn who his sources are and take action against them, Aquilina said.

Aquilina stated that while he promises to comply with the police order and go to the Police Depot for this police interrogation, he will not, under any circumstances, reveal his sources.

"My sources are heroes without whom we could not have known the filth they wanted to hide from us. I assure everyone that I will not allow anyone to persecute them, even I suffer all the consequences myself," Aquilina said.

Aqulina last Sunday resigned the post of Repubblika honorary president of Repubblika after he was questioned by the police in connection with a domestic incident. He denies any wrongdoing.

Don't use intimidation to silence whistleblowers - Repubblika

Repubblika, in a statement reacting to the news of Aquilina's impending interrogation, said that whistleblowers are essential in any serious fight against corruption. "Without them, wrongdoing remains hidden and continues. We have a law that is supposed to protect whistleblowers, but it is written in a way that intimidates them. However, the protection of whistleblowers is part of European law and, therefore, also part of our law."

The NGO said that the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights protect the right of journalists and writers to protect their sources. "This is necessary to ensure real freedom to be informed about what the corrupt and the criminal want to hide."

"These are legal principles that protect our democracy, and any attempt by the Police or authorities to trample on these principles goes against the fundamental rights of every citizen." Repubblika said it will use all legal means at its disposal to protect this right.