Soldier says false claim cost him a promotion

A lance bombardier yesterday filed a judicial protest against the commander of the Armed Forces of Malta saying he was not promoted because of a false allegation.

In his protest against Brigadier Carmel Vassallo, Raymond Psaila said he had been passed over for promotion several times and had even filed a complaint with the Ombudsman, who, in turn, had raised a number of questions. In his reaction to the Ombudsman's inquiries, the commander had given two reasons why the promotion was not granted. One of the reasons was that the officer had acted incorrectly with an irregular migrant. Lance Bombardier Psaila is insisting this was not true.

He called on the commander to indicate the person he was alleged to have acted incorrectly with and also to back the claim made in his regard.

Lawyer Edward Gatt signed the protest.