The Ministry for Justice, Equality and Governance takes note of the situation of Advocate Charles Mercieca, who was employed at the Office of the Attorney General, and who terminated such employment and is now assisting Mr Yorgen Fenech in court proceedings. 

The Ministry makes it amply clear that, following thorough verifications conducted with the Office of the Attorney General, the Ministry is informed that the said advocate never worked directly or indirectly on the proceedings related to the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, nor on any proceedings connected to Mr Yorgen Fenech. 

However, the decision taken by the said advocate to assume the patronage of Mr Fenech at this early moment is insensitive. 

Whilst expressing its disappointment, the Ministry states that it expected more prudence and caution both from the advocate and the legal firm in question.

In the meantime, the government is committed and determined to move ahead and implement the required reforms to further strengthen our democratic institutions.