In a statement yesterday, the prime minister has said that he was disappointed by opposition spokesman for justice, Jason Azzopardi, who, along with the NGO Repubblika, has filed criminal reports to investigate the crew of Armed Forces patrol boat P52 along with Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi.

The charge is one of the most serious; that of the army committing the voluntary killing of a number of immigrants. 11 people along with the Brigadier will be under investigation. Jason Azzopardi along with Repubblika have also asked the Commissioner of Police to investigate the Prime Minister who they say is responsible for the alleged crime. Abela said that he has presented himself for the necessary investigations.

The Acting Commissioner has initiated a Magisterial Inquiry due to the nature of the serious charges against these persons. The PM explained that this accusation of involuntary murder carries a life sentence. Abela expressed his disappointment at the action of those who chose to undermine resources at a time when the health of the Maltese and Gozitans is a priority.

The PM made it clear that all this will not be stopping the ongoing government work at such an important moment. He went on to say that the threat of life imprisonment will not intimidate those who are doing right but will continue to strengthen them.

Abela said that our country has endured the immigration situation for a long time and has done its utmost to save lives, but the position taken by the government will not be changing and our country cannot in this situation welcome immigrants. Meanwhile, the European Court of Human Rights has rejected Repubblika’s request for Malta and Italy to open their ports to immigrants.