Motion to oust Sliema mayor
Sliema mayor, councillor opt for independent seats
Sandra Camilleri (left), Nikki Dimech (right)
A motion of no confidence in Sliema mayor Nikki Dimech was presented at the end of a local council meeting last night.
The motion was presented by Nationalist councillor Cyrus Engerer and was signed by all six PN councillors. The other five are deputy mayor Johanna Gonzi, Patrick Pace, Yves Bobby Calì, Julian Galea and Edward Cuschieri. Dr Gonzi and Mr Pace were not present at the meeting because they are away.
In the motion, the PN councillors said that, in view of his admission to the police that he had solicited a commission from a contractor, Mr Dimech’s position within the council was no longer tenable. They said the locality deserved better.
Thus, they moved a vote of no confidence in the mayor and proposed Dr Gonzi to be appointed mayor instead.
Dr Gonzi polled the second highest number of votes in the last council election in Sliema.
By law, it is up to the mayor to set a date for such a motion to be discussed by the council. Such a discussion has to take place between five and 10 days from when a motion is presented.
It was very much business as usual at yesterday’s council meeting, at least until the motion was submitted. The councillors discussed pending payments, some of which dated back to February.
Earlier in the day, Mr Dimech, accompanied by councillor Sandra Camilleri, went to the PN headquarters in Pietà to resign from the party pledging to remain on the Sliema council as independent members.
Mr Dimech said PN general secretary Paul Borg Olivier acted as judge, jury and executioner and Ms Camilleri accused him of threatening her.
Mr Dimech said he was resigning from the party notwithstanding having already been expelled by the PN a week ago. He said that two unanswered e-mails to party leader Lawrence Gonzi was a “clear sign” that he was not wanted within the party.
He said it was with deep regret that he felt “constrained” to resign but declared he would remain “loyal” to the party’s principles, “although it is clear that such principles and convictions are not as cherished by other people as within the party itself”.
Clearly referring to Dr Borg Olivier, he said he was not feeling comfortable representing the party “under the present administration”.
The 33-year-old mayor reiterated that his resignation “should not be construed or (mis-) interpreted as an admission of any wrongdoing”.
In his resignation letter to Dr Borg Olivier he wrote: “I reiterate my complete innocence and my resentment to the fact that you personally have chosen to act as my accuser, prosecutor, judge and hangman all at once and to pass summary judgment upon me in spite of the principle of presumption of innocence.”
He said he had “freely” decided to resign “in order to be at complete liberty to defend my name and reputation.... and be in a better position to guard myself from such harm, which might befall me, especially that directed at me from behind my back.”
Ms Camilleri too had a go at Dr Borg Olivier in her resignation letter, accusing him of threatening her to sign a motion of no confidence in Mr Dimech or else get reported to the police.
“My resignation is solely and exclusively motivated by the fact that you have forced me to sign a motion of no confidence in Sliema mayor Nikki Dimech against my volition and threatened to report me to the police as Dimech’s accomplice,” she said in her resignation letter.
“My sense of dignity and self-respect do not allow me to do otherwise but to tender my resignation,” she said, while insisting, in comments to the media after tendering her resignation, that she “was, is and will remain a Nationalist”.
Ms Camilleri pledged to remain on the council “for the well-being of Sliema residents as their legitimately-elected representative”.
Speaking to journalists outside the party headquarters, Ms Camilleri said she believed Mr Dimech “as he has always been a very good, sincere and straight colleague”. She promised to vote against any vote of no confidence which may be presented against him, adding she believed Mr Dimech had been framed.
Ms Camilleri vehemently denied sticking up for Mr Dimech when her attention was drawn to a statement he reportedly made to the police that he had solicited a commission from a contractor. Mr Dimech is insisting he had signed this statement “under duress” after having been deprived of his asthma inhaler, leading him to suffer an anxiety attack.
“I cannot believe what is going on. He was always sincere with me. Is there a court case? Was he considered a criminal? Is he guilty? I will not sign anything unless I know he is guilty. People want him and voted for him and he has a right to be there. We have to work as a team, without backstabbing,” she said adamantly.
The widely-expected resignations leave the Sliema council with an independent mayor for the first time in history and with one independent councillor, six PN councillors and three representing the Labour Party.
The PN councillors can still manage to scrape through the motion of no confidence in Mr Dimech and appoint Dr Gonzi as mayor.
In a comment on timesofmalta.com, Mr Dimech’s father, Manuel, said Dr Borg Olivier has “mishandled” the situation at the Sliema council because of his “arrogance” and his “desperate determination” to get his son out of the PN and the local council.
“You have caused the credibility of the PN to suffer and I am sure this will affect future elections (general or local council)... A big well done to Nikki (my son and hero) and Sandra Camilleri,” he said.
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Update 3: Sliema council appoints Joanna Gonzi mayor as it approves motion of no confidence in Nikki Dimech -
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Steven Camilleri
Aug 28th 2010, 12:42
Ralph Cassar speaks as if he is a man of power , speaks as if he got Eddie's votes behind his name , another wanna be Greeny
MBorg
Aug 27th 2010, 16:52
@ all
Before saying Nikki grow up, why don't you grow up yourselves ?
I do not know Nikki but admire a young person, who although he has a good job put his name and time for the good of his locality. Give him a chance, nothing has been proved against him.
If it is true that now another councillor is saying that he was forced to sign some one must be doing something which is not on, and this time it definitely is not Nikki.
Dennis Zammit
Aug 27th 2010, 16:10
@ R Cassar who does not show his/her name and is totally biased in favour of Nikki DImech or just enjoying the problems in a PN council.\
This is just a motion and not the actual vote of non confidence. Secondly, a signature on a document sent by fax or scanned and sent by email is still official for the sake of the motion.
Nikki Dimech has officially declared to the authority and signed his declaration that he asked for bribes. This is illegal especially since the is a warranted auditor who should know very well the financial laws.
Had he been threatened by the Police to sign and admit, he should have immediately reported the matter to higher authorities and now wait until the news is public. That is a very easy excuse. Why doesn't he open a libel against the Commissioner of Police and all the printed media who reported his claim of guilt?
Ejja, Nikki Dimech, face these people in court and bring out the truth if you feel that you have been framed.
R Cassar
Aug 27th 2010, 16:59
I might be biased in favour of Nikki, as you put it, but you certainly have condemned him in the opposite way...you are in no position to critisize my opinion. That is why we are free to comment...
Once you place a comment anyone is free to reply in this democratic world...if you don't accept critism to your comments, just do yourself a favour and don't comment.
R Cassar
Aug 27th 2010, 15:02
To all of you who are so gratuitly attacking Dimech, meanwhile a new report has emerged...from another PN councillor claiming he was coerced into signing the motion.... It is interesting how the truth always starts coming out...
Therefore, we all know that Patrick Pace's signature is not there; Sandra Camilleri's does not count; and now there is another councillor claiming he was forced to sign or he would be expelled...As it stands, unless someone else speaks up, the motion is backed by 4 councillors...Not very convincing is it??
Dennis Zammit
Aug 27th 2010, 09:40
To all those asking how someone abroad can sign the motion to remove Nikki Dimech from Mayor of Sliema;
Haven't you heard of the IT technology in 2010?
Further more, if Mayor Nikki Dimech, an accountant by profession, came across any wrongdoings in the council process, he should have been ethical enough to report the matter, both as a Mayor and also as an accountant bound by a warrant.
Maybe even his warrant is not in jeopardy as he is allegedly involved in mishandling Govt funds.
Hi Nikki, it me . . . GROW UP and show us that you have grown up.
R Cassar
Aug 27th 2010, 11:03
Maybe some people have not heard of IT...but you surely have not read the motion even though you so freely comment... There is NO signature of Patrick Pace on the motion... with or without IT... there are 5 not 6 valid signatures on the paper presented...and anyway you can't get an original signature through IT can you?
Nikki has not been proven to have done any wrongdoing...before telling people to grow up perhaps you should learn how to read & understand articles before commenting...or perhaps you are blindfolded and whatever PN does or says is right....if so they would happily accept you as a candidate/puppet...they need people like you!!!
Charles J. Buttigieg
Aug 27th 2010, 09:10
This young man has a lot to learn, Mayors, young and old, don’t go making statements on prestigious papers like The Times with an introduction like “Hi, it is Nikki”.That’s Facebook stuff for teenagers. Furthermore the syntax is atrocious and hardly comprehensible. Judging by his naivety I am not surprised that he got himself in so much trouble, he is a living example of the old saying ‘You Can't Put an Old Head on Young Shoulders’
This young man may be as innocent as they come but he fails to realise that the legend of David and Goliath won’t repeat itself unless a miracle happens. Here we are witnessing a battle between a young and inexperienced rebel with a cause versus a giant supported by a well oiled propaganda machine.
Mind you, sometimes miracles do happen.
Jack Sammut
Aug 27th 2010, 08:48
Dear Mr. Dimech,
You are an embarrassment to yourself. The more vociferously you make your points, the deeper you dig your own grave.
You have decided to put all the emphasis on what you allege as being rough and shoddy police tactics, embroiled in some party conspiracy. Putting these alleged (and unfounded) allegations aside for the moment, why can't you just own up to the fact that these were all consequential to your self-inflicted injuries. A few questions for you-
1. If Mr. Buhagiar, as you allege had offered you the "commission" or bribe (for want of a better word), why did you not file a police report yourself?
2. If Mr. Buhagiar was so persistant - why did you give way and say "OK - but it is still impossible?" This is hardly becoming of a man in your position, and furthermore, an auditor by profession.
3. Whilst your behaviour may *not* constitue a criminal offence, it surely constitutes an ethical breach for the aforesaid two reasons. Or you do equate resignation only with behaviour which constitute a breach of law, rather than ethics?
Your position is untenable. Accept the responsibility, salvage some pride, and bow out.
R Cassar
Aug 27th 2010, 09:33
If, as you say, his behaviour does not constitue a criminal offence and no charges have been filed and he is not guilty of anything, why oh why should he resign?? Because you say so??
If you were in his position I am sure you too would put emphasis on the real facts to clarify the ones wrongly reported by the press...and if you did nothing wrong, YES you emphasise it, you don't bow your head just because the party wants to replace you with a puppet because after all the chair you hold in the council is yours and the 1,800 votes obtained were given to you as representative of the party...the people don't just vote for the party, otherwise the first on the ballot paper would get elected only.
So why should Dimech resign if he has not been proven to have done anything wrong? With your reasoning, and allegations we hear everyday we would not even have a government!!!
Mr Buhagiar had been sacked for wrongdoing by 9 votes in March...does this make him credible?
Nikki Dimech
Aug 27th 2010, 08:15
Hi, it is Nikki - just one big correction - Patrick Pace has been abroad since the 3rd of August till the 31st, I have the motion in hand and there is no signature or name of Patrick Pace. Sandra Camilleri signature was taken when she was forced to sign and the date the motion was signed is the 12th August (but the date - 12th has been cancelled by two small lines). The 12th is the day after my arrest. Two questions and I will leave answers for your good selves:
1) The 2 statements were at me and the Police only - how am I accused of being criminally charged when no person could have access to the statements within 16 hours - so the motion confirms leakage of information from PBO if it is correct?
2) I was expelled in less than 24 hours bearing in mind I was mentally shocked - all councillors were standby on call as they all turned up within less than 4 hours. The motion even has the signature of Sandra so it was latest by the 13th, the day Sandra was forced to sign
R Cassar
Aug 27th 2010, 09:16
3) the 5 councillors signed a motion based on a one sentence accusation made by Stephen Buhagiar - the same person they themselves dismissed a few months before for dishonest behaviour within the council!! They believe the man has changed now???
alexandra vella
Aug 26th 2010, 23:03
I will not go into the merits or dismerits of this saga, however, when I voted for the PN it was because Lawrence Gonzi made me feel confident with him at the helm. I am very disappointed that all the trust the people put in him is being lost and fast, may I say. How come that with a stroke of the pen he dismissed the young Sliema Mayor without giving him the opportunity to explain to him face to face, but just went ahead with what his general secretary decided. Dr. L. Gonzi, put your ears to the ground and take serious note of the smoke before it turns into an uncontrolable fire! I am convinced that there is more to it than just a cry of corruption and maybe yes, Mr. Dimech is being used as a scapegoat after all..
R Cassar
Aug 27th 2010, 09:10
...a scapegoat to distract from the enemalta scandal...because if that comes out, we're heading towards an early election. Now honest Dr Gonzi and ethical PBO don't want that, do they???
Peter Bonnici
Aug 26th 2010, 22:30
its beginning to look like a Manwel Cuschieri online !
Dr Joe Brincat
Aug 26th 2010, 19:45
I would say it is against all Constitutional principles, and especially human rights provisions in our Constitution (Art 39). Then there is also Art 6 of the European Convention.
In my opinion, it can be annulled by the Constitutional Court. Art 46 of the Constitution gives a right of action not only after the violation of the Constitution but also if there is the probability that this will happen.
The Constitutional Court has a very free hand in what remedy it can apply.
MBorg
Aug 26th 2010, 20:45
Thank you for the information. We always manage to learn something new from you.
Alexander Pace Gouder.
Aug 26th 2010, 19:07
@ Dr.Brincat. Have read your clerification re wording of motion. Are we to understand that the motion due to the wording is NULL> Thanks.
Dr Joe Brincat
Aug 26th 2010, 21:31
It all depends on the exact wording. I am basing my comments on the press report, which I hope is precise in such matters.
Alexander Pace Gouder.
Aug 26th 2010, 18:59
Can someone in authority in the PN clearify, explain and answer the question being raised HOW 2 PN Councillers signed when they were abroad. There seems to be something very fishy going on but only those who are involved or got involved in this saga can tell us what really is going on. The motion of no confidence in Mr.Nikki Dimech has to be processed within 10 days but I cannot understand how any of the Councillers who form the Sliema Council can vote in favour or against when such a confusion exists. Also if it is true that they have been forced to sign the motion as Mrs.Camilleri has stated then mainly the PN councillers are also being forced to vote in favour of the motion? I for one more then before have now convinced myself to forget Politics once and for all which seems to becoming a very dirty game in deed.
Charles J. Buttigieg
Aug 26th 2010, 18:26
@ Dr. J Brincat.
I was always under the impression that when an official statement is made and followed by a public declaration to rescind the initial testimony the last statement would suffice to nullify the first. We see a lot of this stuff in court rooms-witnesses giving evidence under oath and then changing their versions to avoid perjuring themselves.
In the likely event that I am harbouring a misconception would an affidavit, officially presented to the Police Commissioner, invalidate the preceding statement?
Dr Joe Brincat
Aug 26th 2010, 19:04
No, you watch foreign television, especially Italian trial stories. Retraction by the person charged may or not be accepted. It depends which is the more credible. He who has to judge is vested with the duty to weigh the evidence and what to believe.
Charles J. Buttigieg
Aug 26th 2010, 20:40
Logically,doesn’t that tantamount to a yes answer to my question when the second statement is a plausible one?
Dr Joe Brincat
Aug 26th 2010, 17:18
As I said earlier, I am only stating an opinion. My suggestion was that who drafted the motion or who vetted it should seek legal advice.
Another question that occurs to me is whether the Local Council in its deliberations on the motion would have an authenticated copy of the statement or statements, and whether police officers would be called in to confirm that it is a true copy etc etc etc.
Some have raised questions regarding the validity of signatures. A motion may be tabled if there are the signatures of one proposing and another seconding. So two are enough. If there are "invented" signatures, as this is not a private document, on which one can sign through a power of attorney, that may raise other questions, rather serious, as this is a public document. I am not in a position to know what actually happened.
R.Borg
Aug 26th 2010, 16:59
I advise Mr.Emanuel Dimech to stay out of this 'confusion'.
When the time comes, he will have the opportunity, because it is his duty, to prove that his son has done nothing wrong.
Joseph Cauchi
Aug 26th 2010, 16:35
Why is all this animosity towards Paul Borg Olivier?
Shouldn’t PBO grab the bull by its horns when Nikki Dimech himself said that he had signed a police statement confirming soliciting a commission/kick-back from the Contracts’ Manager?
If Nikki Dimech was a serious person after confirming this statement, he should have been man enough to tender his RESIGNATION with immediate effect and not play around by taking out the mickey out of all the Sliema constituents and people of good-will!
Nikki Dimech should forget politics and concentrate on his profession, because this only can guarantee his bread and butter!
It hurts me a lot that a man such as Nikki had to go to such travail as after all he is a good and loveable young man!
I believe that the Secretary General Paul Borg Olivier did the right thing in the circumstances albeit perhaps with a more desirable tact would have been more appropriate!
JC.
Dr Joe Brincat
Aug 26th 2010, 16:35
@ CJButtigieg & MBorg.
The wording of the motion is based on "in view of his admission to the police that he had solicited a commission from a contractor". Soliticitng a commission from anyone is a criminal charge.
Who can decide on such a matter ?
Art 39 of our Constitution says that it is a court, independent and impartial, that can make such a pronouncement, set up according to law.
A Local Council has to observe the Constitution (if they are not independent republics)
When EFA made a press conference on the Judges' case, the Constitutional Court said that he overstepped his powers and was in violation. It is the declaration of guilt that violates, whether by a PM, a Local Council etc.
Even the Public Service Commission never makes such declarations. It may find some breach of internal discipline as the reason for dismissal. If there are pending criminal matters, it waits for the outcome.
An approved Local Council motion is a public document. It is not a decision of a football club.
Clear enough ?
Charles J. Buttigieg
Aug 26th 2010, 16:51
Issa ahjar Dottore. Clear enough now, thanks a bunch.
MBorg
Aug 26th 2010, 17:12
Thanks as, always clear and to the point.
Peter Bonnici
Aug 26th 2010, 16:34
I wonder how ex Fgura mayor, Darren Marmara,` would feel, seeing so many labourites defend a Nationalist mayor. After all, they all sat silent when he was ousted by his own party, with no reasons given.
Darren J. Galea
Aug 26th 2010, 15:42
@ Paul Borg Olivier
I have discussed this with many of my peers, most of whom are ardent Nationalists. They are, like me, disgusted with your Machiavellian tactics. The sad think is that I cannot say I will not vote for you in district 10 as I am not from there, but this shamefull episode has made me realise what the PN has become. I will not vote PN at the next general election, and nor will many of my friends.
Keep it up PBO - Stalin would have been proud of you.
Peter Bonnici
Aug 26th 2010, 16:39
Don't vote PN, vote Labour, and get a party that throws out its' mayors without as much as an explaination to constituents. You'll deserve it.
mario camilleri
Aug 26th 2010, 15:16
Miss CAMILLERI, you made an honour to your great surname. The CAMILLERI's are proud of you.
Joanne Micallef
Aug 26th 2010, 14:46
Keeping in mind that the majority of our police force are honest and do take their work very seriously, I believe Mr Dimech when he says that he was denied his medication as (1) the police themselves released a statement saying that they did not give him the medication because he did not ask for it ( therefore no medication was given ) and (2) from my knowledge re asthmatic panic attacks, they are easily triggered by nervous stress. Therefore I find it very possible that Mr Dimech was desperate and quite possibly in fear for his life ( due to lack of oxygen ) by the time he was questioned a second time, and therefore admitted to the charges to obtain a swift release from the police depo.
Charles J. Buttigieg
Aug 26th 2010, 14:01
Part Two
I don’t have any inkling as to whether the Mayor is innocent or guilty but from what I gathered I can safely insist that Nikki Dimech is being unjustly treated. Only an independent enquiry could surface the truth and brings the culprit\s to book.
Charles J. Buttigieg
Aug 26th 2010, 13:59
Part One
Only 6 months ago the Sliema Local Council unanimously accused Stephen Buhagiar, their Contracts Manager, of ‘conduct unbecoming ‘or something like that. After that Mr. Buhagiar accused the Mayor of corruption. Rightly so the police started an investigation but to no avail whereat the Mayor gave the police a written statement categorically denying the accusations. After more pressure by the police and alleged illegal trickery, refusal of urgently needed medication and in the absence of an attorney, the Mayor signed a second statement admitting guilt. Fifteen minutes later he was released and immediately contacted by PBO demanding his resignation.
The Mayor then goes on to issue his third statement, this time publicly, alleging police irregularities during the investigations which put him in a bad medical condition and left him no alternative other than to sign a forced statement and is now nullifying it publicly.
And in the face of all these conflicting statements and allegations of a frame-up, PBO, the PN and 6 PN Councillors condemn the young Mayer basing their arguments solely on an accusation made by a disgraced Contract Manager and a statement dubious of legality
Dr Joe Brincat
Aug 26th 2010, 13:53
Sorry that I am repeating myself here . Iwould have remained aloof from this discussion, but I am highly perturbed by the wording of the motion.
Previously I wrote against a trial by the press, of Mr X, Y or Z.
When X, Y or Z themselves submit to the jurisdiction of the trial by the press, by giving their version of facts to the press, then they have only themselves to blame for the bad press. Mea culpa !
Assuming that the wording is reproduced correctly, I am astonished ! It is proposing an explicit judgment of "guilty" of a criminal offence, on the evidence of a statement. The lay jurors are already in and out, with a bill of indictment and a verdict. They are the prosecutors and the judges at the same time.
Whoever drafted or vetted that motion should take legal advice, especially in view of Article 39 of the Constitution. If it is voted, it would be a declaration of a legally constituted public body.
Even local government councils are subject to the Constitution.
Charles J. Buttigieg
Aug 26th 2010, 14:17
@ Dr. Brincat.
"If it is voted, it would be a declaration of a legally constituted public body." Could you please give it to us in layman's terms? Lili hawwadtni.
MBorg
Aug 26th 2010, 15:42
@ Dr Brincat
Could you please explain to us the part that has to do with the Constitution i.e
" even local Government councils are subject to the constitution ."
Alexia Vella
Aug 26th 2010, 16:31
Charles J. Buttigieg
39. (1) Whenever any person is charged with a criminal offence he shall, unless the charge is withdrawn, be afforded a fair hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial court established by law.
(2) Any court or other adjudicating authority prescribed by law for the determination of the existence or the extent of civil rights or obligations shall be independent and impartial; and where proceedings for such a determination are instituted by any person before such a court or other adjudicating authority, the case shall be given a fair hearing within a reasonable time.
(5) Every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be presumed to be innocent until he is proved or has pleaded guilty:
Provided that nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this sub-article to the extent that the law in question imposes upon any person charged as aforesaid the burden of proving particular facts.
(6) Every person who is charged with a criminal offence -
Alexia Vella
Aug 26th 2010, 16:33
(a) shall be informed in writing, in a language which he understands and in detail, of the nature of the offence charged;
(b) shall be given adequate time and facilities for the preparation of his defence;
(c) shall be permitted to defend himself in person or by a legal representative and a person who cannot afford to pay for such legal representation as is reasonably required by the circumstances of his case shall be entitled to have such representation at the public expense;
(d) shall be afforded facilities to examine in person or by his legal representative the witnesses called by the prosecution before any court and to obtain the attendance of witnesses subject to the payment of their reasonable expenses, and carry out the examination of witnesses to testify on his behalf before the court on the same conditions as those applying to witnesses called by the prosecution; and
(e) shall be permitted to have without payment the assistance of an interpreter if he cannot understand the language used at the trial of the charge,....
T Camilleri
Aug 26th 2010, 13:09
Orchestrated manouvres in the dark, cloak and dagger affairs and back-stabbing have always been the hall mark of the PN. Remember Terinu, the balilla and black shirts, the conspiracy to remove GBO? As they say, history repeats itself.
J.pace
Aug 26th 2010, 12:40
How did the two puppets that are abroud signed???
Did PBO, went abround after them too ?
Or did they signed this before they left, say a week ago, before all this thing started?? Before even Nikky went to the police station. Hmmmmmm !
L. Dimech
Aug 26th 2010, 12:30
Ms. Camilleri - good for you to have openly shown up Dr. Borg Olivier and his stupid tactics, and I do hope he gets his wrists slapped because this is not the first accusation of arrogance.
Our ex Secretary General, Joe Saliba, who came from a humble background, could give lessons of diplomacy to Dr. Borg Olivier, who should know better. I have an awful feeling that the party stands to lose one heck of a lot of votes just because he comes across as so insensitive. You have no right to treat people like that, and people from our own party, to boot !
With regards to the Sliema Mayor - can we please have one serious statement? If you have solicited commissions why do you insist you did nothing wrong?? Were you going to put the money in the Sliema Council coffers?? I doubt it.
If you haven't solicited such commissions - Why are you in such a mess? If it's true the party wants you out when you pulled in all the votes, can you explain why they want to get rid of you?
Is there one serious, believable person out there who could provide the TRUTH.
Dennis Zammit
Aug 26th 2010, 10:26
Why is Nikki Dimech still expecting us to believe that he admitted because the police put pressure on him?
So he admitted and signed the admission with the risk that he cannot go back. It is difficult to believe. After all the Police Force already issued declaration stating that he is not saying the truth. Which version of Nikki Dimech should we believe? Bribery or Admission?
He is mayor just because he was tied to the PN ticket and therefore, once he in not a PN councilor any more, he should at least resign from Mayor if not also from councilor.
This is the real world and not a child's drama session.
Robert Callus
Aug 26th 2010, 12:53
On what basis are you assuming that he is lying and not the Police?
Until there is a system where a person is FILMED while signing a confession in the presence of a LAWYER, no one will ever know who is telling the truth. Such measures safeguard anyone who is in good faith, be it the Police or the suspect.
charles philip zammit
Aug 26th 2010, 10:24
good for you ms camilleri. you showed everybody how we should act under threaths by persons who think they are god almighty but who have gone from one blunder on to another. although i do not share your political views i am sure you are an honest person who shouldnt have been treated that way by either party secretary or the police.
and to involve her mother a senior citizen in the fry my god where are the supposed christian democrat values of the gonzipn.
EBorg
Aug 26th 2010, 16:07
It seems that in this country we never learn. Time and time again there have been allegations against the Police during interrogations and as yet, unlike the other democracies, we have not yet introduced a system whereby one who is interrogated at Police Headquarters, would have a right to be accompanied by a lawyer of his own choice. When do we learn? It seems that someone is derailing the process since this right to be accompanied by a lawyer during interrogation has been on the drawing board for years and yet never introduced
K. Tanti
Aug 26th 2010, 09:43
How the motion was signed by 2 persons who are away?
gcForte
Aug 26th 2010, 11:52
Risposta hafifa........................Ghax taht GonziP.N KOLLOX POSSIBLI............