The Criminal Court, presided over by Judge Neville Camilleri, has dismissed the appeal presented by lawyer and ex PN deputy Jason Azzopardi, representing Repubblika, seeking an investigation against Minister Silvio Schembri. This decision follows a similar ruling earlier this month by Magistrate Antoine Agius Bonnici, who also rejected the request by Azzopardi.

The appeal was originally filed in the early days of last year against Minister Schembri and his wife, who is expecting a child. Azzopardi had called for an inquiry into allegations against the Minister, but the Court found that the evidence presented was insufficient to support the claims.

In his ruling, Judge Camilleri pointed to the lack of evidence submitted by Azzopardi, stating clearly that at no point had the applicant, Jason Azzopardi himself, provided any statements or evidence indicating that Minister Schembri had committed any criminal act. The judge further stated that the reports referred to by Azzopardi did not suggest that Minister Schembri had been involved in any of the alleged crimes, such as money laundering, accepting bribes, or trading in influence.

Therefore, Judge Camilleri upheld the original court’s decision, rejecting Azzopardi’s appeal and confirming that there was no evidence to justify an investigation into the Minister.

Minister Schembri’s Response

Minister Schembri reacted to the ruling, expressing his satisfaction with the outcome. This marks the second time that the Court has confirmed that the allegations made against him and his family were without merit and based on unfounded attacks.

The Minister stated, “The Court has made it clear that the accusations brought by Jason Azzopardi were groundless.” He also expressed his gratitude for the support he had received, saying, “I am deeply grateful to all those who stood by me during this period, as well as to my family who had to endure this trial simply because I am a Labour Minister.”

This ruling comes after a prolonged period of political tensions and accusations aimed at public figures, but the Court’s decision has cleared Minister Schembri of any wrongdoing, reaffirming that the claims lacked the necessary proof to support an investigation. This is yet another clear reminder of the importance of basing accusations on solid evidence rather than throwing unfounded and frivolous claims into the public sphere.

The Labour Party’s Response

“People expect Bernard Grech to reject and disassociate himself, and the PN, from Jason Azzopardi,” said the Labour Party in a statement shortly after the court’s decision was made.

“This is not the first time that the former nationalist MP and lawyer for Repubblika lied. He lied against Minister Owen Bonnici. He lied against Cabinet Secretary, Ryan Spagnol. He lied against the CEO of the Lands Authority, Robert Vella. Jason Azzopardi is very close to the PN and with the de facto leader of the PN Karol Aquilina.”

The Labour Party further observed that the PN takes ownership of Azzopardi’s allegations and invites him on its media to repeat them. It even calls protests based on Azzopardi’s allegations.

“Now is the time for Bernard Grech to show whether he is on the side of justice or not. The people expect Bernard Grech to reject and disassociate himself and the PN from Jason Azzopardi. Nothing short of that would be acceptable,” concluded the Labour Party in its statement.