This is a video statement released today by Repubblika after representatives of the organisation filed a court application today demanding an inquiry into Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri, those who bribed them and those who helped them getting bribed. The statement is in Maltese. Scroll down for an English translation and for a copy of the application and the supporting documentation filed in court today.
We have today, as Repubblika, filed a Court application requesting an inquiry into crimes we are alleging were committed by Keith Schembri and Konrad Mizzi and those who bribed them and those who helped them to be bribed.
In our application, we list a series of legal provisions we are alleging have been breached by Keith Schembri and Konrad Mizzi in order to hide or to try to hide proceeds from crime and corruption.
All the information on which we base our allegation is in the public domain. It starts from Daphne Caruana Galizia’s revelations from three years ago and is further substantiated by evidence that has since become known: the Panama Papers revelations; the FIAU reports; and revelations as a result of journalistic investigations by The Daphne Project.
There is much more than prima facie evidence that therefore makes it necessary for the prime minister to stop giving political asylum to these persons and for them to face the consequences of justice.
Earlier today MP Simon Busuttil filed a similar application continuing to insist for action according to law. He first made that call when he was Leader of the Opposition.
When he files these sorts of applications in Court, Simon Busuttil is wearing the mantle that belongs to all of us: the role of a citizen that shares everybody’s interest that the law in Malta is applied equally to everyone.
As a civil society organisation that is committed to promoting good governance, the protection of the rule of law and the fight against corruption, we feel it is our mission as Repubblika to insist institutions do their job.
We are here because in this case, the police have failed, the Attorney General has failed, the FIAU has failed and in some decisions that have been made, the judiciary has also failed. Every day that passes the Prime Minister also fails because when he harbours crooks, he makes himself one. Those who harbour crooks are just as crooked. This is a flagrant breach of our values and of European democratic values that uphold the rule of law.
We expect strong objections by these crooks claiming we have no right to complain about them. They will say we have no legal standing because they have not robbed us of anything. Anyone who pays an electricity bill in Malta is paying a supplier who was contracted by the government because the responsible officials who contracted them have been bribed. Anyone paying an electricity bill in Malta is being robbed by these crooks and has every right to insist institutions take action to protect them.
We are insisting on the full application of Maltese law. Maltese law includes European anti-money-laundering directives which among other things oblige the State to provide a remedy when these directives are breached. If our application of today is not accepted, the Maltese State will be denying us the last possible remedy, thereby breaching European law applicable in Malta.
Although you would expect that on the back of such manifest evidence it should not be so hard for a decision to open an inquiry to be taken, we are under no illusion that the road ahead of us is easy.
You will, therefore, understand that even if we are not heard today, our campaign will still go on.
We are publishing here a copy of our application.
Finally, on Women’s Day, we salute Daphne Caruana Galizia who was killed seventeen months ago fighting for the rule of law and against corruption and illegality. Our duty is to ensure that her fight does not die with her.