Government criticised over all-male judge nominations

The National Council of Women joined the Labour Party in criticising government for not nominating a woman for judge on the European Court of Human Rights.

The European Council refused the nomination of Chief Justice Vincent De Gaetano and Judges Joseph Camilleri and Joseph A. Filletti twice on the grounds that at least one woman had be included in the list.

However, the government stuck to its original nomination and, to date, has not included a woman.

Labour justice spokesman José Herrera urged the government to reconsider its decision and comply with the European Council's instructions in the interest of the country's credibility abroad.

He said the situation was humiliating, especially after the Council suggested that the government nominate a foreigner if it could not come up with a national.

Meanwhile, the National Council of Women publicly asked the government how many of the applicants were actually women and what criteria were used to determine their eligibility and competence.