In Parliament, Minister for Justice Jonathan Attard presented a letter from the Attorney General Anthony Borg Barthet, who served under the Nationalist government in the 1990s. The letter, which dates back thirty years, contained strong criticism regarding a key decision made by the government at the time. Borg Barthet had fiercely opposed the administration’s handling of a case that eventually led to the release of a drug trafficker, causing a lot of political controversy and outright public rage.

The Nationalist government’s decision had not only freed a notorious drug trafficker but had also cost Malta a significant opportunity in addressing criminal activities associated with drug trafficking. According to the Attorney General at the time, the country had lost the chance to get closer to those involved with the criminal network, specifically the individuals linked to the infamous Queiroz, whose operations continued unabated as a result of the decision.

In his parliamentary speech, Dr. Jonathan Attard questioned the moral responsibility of those who made such decisions, pointing to the long-term consequences, including how many young people could have fallen victim to the aftermath of the case.

The minister made it clear that the implications of this decision had been far-reaching and damaging, not only in terms of law enforcement but also with respect to the political climate of the time. The Attorney General’s letter is clear: PN gave drug traffickers a free pass to continue their operations.

In response to criticism from Nationalist deputies, who accused the government of handling criminal cases with kid gloves, Minister Attard pointed out that the amendments being discussed in Parliament would have no bearing on individuals caught with weapons or explosives, as these would remain under strict legal provisions. Attard denounced the Nationalist Party for spreading fake news about the government’s approach, explaining that the legal reforms have no effect on high-stakes criminal activities: under Labour, these perpertators will be punished.

The Minister also took the opportunity to describe the contrast between the PN’s moral posturing in Parliament and their attitude towards one of the largest drug busts in recent history. The drug seizure, involving 146 kilograms of narcotics worth approximately €20 million on the Maltese market, has none other than lawyer Jason Azzopardi defending the accused!

Let that sink in.

Words fail to describe the irony and lack or moral fibre with which Jason Azzopardi acts deeply concerned about drug abuse in Malta while simultaneously defending alleged drug dealers in court.

It is easy to criticise and spread false information, but the true test lies in what you do when you are actually in charge, and when you are presented with a choice. Looking at their track record, the PN is in no position to be giving lessons, let alone spread lies about measures that are aimed at correcting past wrongs, serving justice with drug dealers, whilst helping those who fall victim to drug abuse. The Opposition’s attempts to criticise these decisions are, quite simply, hollow and disingenuous.

Minister Jonathan Attard