Joseph Muscat, former Prime Minister of Malta, pleaded not guilty to charges of bribery, corruption, and other crimes during a dramatic court appearance on Tuesday. The proceedings mark the first time in Maltese history that a former politician has faced such charges. If he is found guilty, he could face an 18-year prison sentence. Muscat’s supporters have compared the charges to those against Jesus. Hello, really now?
Historic Trial and Charges
The charges against Muscat are linked to a controversial 2015 agreement with Vitals, a company with no prior healthcare experience, to redevelop three public hospitals. The deal has been marred by accusations of massive financial mismanagement and corruption. Muscat is among 14 individuals and nine companies charged in this landmark case, including his former chief of staff, Keith Schembri, and former minister, Konrad Mizzi.
Courtroom and Blasphemic Polital Show
The court session, which began at 11:30 am and lasted over eight hours, was marked by a flurry of legal arguments and procedural challenges, the Times of Malta reports. Defense lawyers demanded concrete evidence from the Attorney General to substantiate the amounts requested for freezing orders against the accused. Magistrate Rachel Montebello approved these freezing orders, amounting to millions, despite protests from the defense.
Outside the courtroom, hundreds of Muscat’s supporters gathered, chanting and cheering as he and other defendants entered. The supporters, mobilized by Labour firebrand Manuel Cuschieri, stayed throughout the day, expressing their unwavering loyalty to the former prime minister and criticizing journalists covering the event. Certainly, this was not a spontaneous gathering but an orchestrated political show.
The supporters of Muscat drew parallels between his prosecution and the persecution of Jesus Christ, reflecting their belief that the charges were politically motivated. Are there holy men in politics? Perhaps, but not in Malta.
Legal and Procedural Developments
The prosecution, represented by Francesco Refalo from the Attorney General’s office, requested the court to impose bail conditions to prevent public comments by the accused, aiming to avoid a “trial by media.” This request was met with strong objections from defense lawyers, who assured the court their clients had no intention of absconding.
Magistrate Montebello ruled that all parties and their lawyers are prohibited from sharing case records with third parties or making public comments about the proceedings. However, the court did not impose travel restrictions on the accused, provided they appear for all sittings, secured by a personal guarantee of €25,000 each.
Defense Challenges and Testimonies
Defense lawyer Edward Gatt questioned the credibility of a UK expert involved in the investigation, aiming to challenge the validity of procedures followed during the inquiry. Testimonies from former inspector Anthony Scerri highlighted the involvement of foreign experts and the handling of searches at locations connected to the accused, including Muscat’s residence.
Next Steps
The trial, expected to be lengthy and complex, has significant implications for all parties involved. The next court sessions are scheduled for June 13 and 19.
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