Silvio Zammit's lawyers insist on report's publication
Lawyers for Silvio Zammit, the businessman accused of trading in influence in the case which caused John Dalli’s resignation, this morning objected to a request by prosecutors to delay the publication of the report into the case by OLAF, the EU’s anti-fraud agency.
Lawyers Edward Gatt and Kris Busietta said that the police request to delay publication of the report was almost arrogant, given what had been discussed in court last week and the subsequent decree ordering publication.
They insisted that the non-publication of the report was prejudicial to Mr Zammit and went against the principle of having a level playing field.
This type of behaviour was not respectful for the proper administration of the court.
The two lawyers insisted that the report was an intrinsic part of the proceedings against Mr Zammit, as the evidence presented in the case so far showed.
They disputed police claims that the report should not be published because investigations involving Mr Dalli were continuing, saying the investigations were over and Mr Dalli had not been arraigned yet only because he was receiving medical treatment abroad.
See also – Prosecutors urge report publication delay http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130127/local/Prosecution-urges-Dalli-report-publication-delay.454930
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12 Comments
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A.P. Gambina
Jan 28th, 16:05
Too many 'funny' things/events/breaking news' items are presently taking place (refer to other separate news headings/items). Political, financial and otherwise. No wonder we're better off than our eu counterparts !
mark johnson
Jan 28th, 15:22
There is so much corruption around that when someone actually tells the truth it's like a breath of fresh air.
If the police are saying the investigation into Dalli is ongoing then why do the lawyers argue that it is not?
A Galea
Jan 28th, 14:08
@ Cornelius Murphy - I imagine that all involved parties know each other, so if anyone intends to pressure any witnesses, they don't need to see the report. This seems like an excuse and nothing more. @ Andre Briffa - Perhaps not as ridiculous as your naivete. Don't forget that all principles of democracy so trumpeted by the EU were circumvented in this case, to the chagrin of other MEPs
j brincat
Jan 28th, 13:32
@Andre Briffa
"What a ridiculous assumption to make"
Can you explain why it is so ridiculous?
jb
Edward Mallia
Jan 28th, 13:04
@ Cornelius Murphy
' the report names several people who the police are still planning to speak to: That's just the point. The police are dragging their feet; we have a right to know why.
The "blackmail" mentioned has nothing do with the core contents of the report. The "lawyers tale" is a side issue or are you suggesting that Dalli and/or Zammit blackmailed her? Justice delayed is justice denied.
P Pace Balzan
Jan 28th, 15:13
Well said: Justice delayed is justice denied!
.
The question is for how long will court cases continue to be delayed?
Jay Oatmon
Jan 28th, 12:39
They herd together to protect one another - and expecting fairness and justice is a forlorn hope because there are politics and politicians involved.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jan 28th, 11:45
Can the Police assure us that there was no pressure from government to delay the publication of the report? I am finding these delaying tactics rather suspicious now -especially considering how no one from the PN has tried to defnd Malta's reoputation while foreign MEP's are trying to unravel the whole mess.
Andre Briffa
Jan 28th, 12:11
What a ridiculous assumption to make
Cornelius Murphy
Jan 28th, 12:18
Apparently the report names several people who the police are still planning to speak to:
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130127/local/prosecutors-seek-john-dalli-report-publication-delay.454898
One witness has allegedly already been blackmailed:
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121213/local/Witness-blackmailed-over-affair-.449341
Don't you want justice done well?
*Joseph Brincat
Jan 28th, 12:32
AGREE 101%
Denis Pace
Jan 28th, 13:39
Ludicrous comment!
Please choose the reason of your report below: