The Police this afternoon categorically denied a report in another website that Sliema Mayor Nikki Dimech had been under duress when he admitted to the police that he had asked for a commission from a contractor.

"The Police Force categorically denies all the allegations made by "friends of Mr Nikki Dimech" that he "only signed the second statement to be able to go back home as soon as possible, and that pleas to have his inhaler brought to him at police HQ went ignored", the police said in a statement.

"Mr Dimech was afforded all constitutional rights available to all suspects undergoing police interrogation in Malta. He even requested and was allowed to consult with a lawyer of his choice prior to the interrogation. Mr Dimech's inhaler and pills were also brought to Police General Headquarters, by a friend of his, whilst he was in police custody, however, he did not request to make use of them."

The police said that all preliminary investigations into this matter showed that the allegations made were untrue and were being spread "simply to tarnish the reputation of the Police Force and that of the investigating officer".

The "sources" behind these false allegations "may also be liable to legal action in terms of the law", the police added.

Mr Dimech was dismissed from the Nationalist Party after the police interrogation but he has refused to step down.

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