Thursday, May 31, 2018

EP delegation to meet political parties, civil society to discuss rule of law findings

A cross-party delegation of MEPs from the European Parliament are today meeting with the Labour Party (PL), the Nationalist Party (PN) and the Democratic Party (PD) to discuss the findings and any action taken on recommendations produced in a rule of law report that was published last January.

Late in 2017, the MEP delegation, led by Socialist MEP Ana Gomes (photo) had come to Malta on a fact-finding mission into the rule of law in Malta and the effectiveness of Malta's institutions following the brutal murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

While in Malta, the delegation looked into accusations against the police and the Attorney General for failing to take action when the Panama Papers was revealed, and for failing to investigate allegations made by the slain journalist about a third Panama company, Egrant Inc, and its true ownership. A number of magisterial inquiries are underway, launched after former PN leader Simon Busuttil filed reports in court. The Egrant inquiry was prompted by the Prime Minister himself and is also still ongoing.

The delegation also looked into the independence of Malta's institutions. After the fact-finding mission, MEPs had penned a report and also produced a number of recommendations. The delegation will today discuss with the main political parties and sections of civil society on the action taken with regards the recommendations.

A special discussion took place in Parliament after a motion was filed by PN MP Jason Azzopardi on the recommendations of the report, however PL MPs highlighted how Malta has adhered to EU directives and regulations, is always updating the judiciary and criticised the report for being one-sided and biased. 



from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2J5R0Ji
via IFTTT

No comments:

Post a Comment