photo: AFM Patrol boat P52 after an earlier rescue mission

Court experts have this morning launched an investigation at Xatt it-Tiben, with regard to the maritime squad of the Armed Forces of Malta. A magisterial enquiry is to investigate soldiers from the same squad, wherein they stand accused of the voluntary homicide of a number of migrants at sea. Lawyer Herman Mula, appearing for the defendants said that the charges in connection with this allegation are not only against the P52 Patrol Boat 11-strong crew, but a total of 45 soldiers are under investigation in connection with the alleged crime.

The magisterial inquiry was launched following a criminal report filed by Opposition Justice spokesman Jason Azzopardi last week.