Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia this evening refused to comment on allegations that he was caught eavesdropping outside the door of the Opposition’s office in Parliament. He said he was in a hurry.

His spokesman said the minister did not have time to give comments as he had an urgent meeting.

The media waited for the minister outside the police headquarters and an hour following a ceremony in which he appointed three new deputy police commissioners, Dr Mallia was again asked by the media to respond to the allegations.

He refused to answer questions and said he was in a hurry.

Contacted by timesofmalta.com, Opposition whip David Agius confirmed the incident and said it was reported to the Speaker. He said the minister had told him that he did not know that the office belonged to the Opposition as he was new in Parliament.

The three new deputy commissioners are Pierre Calleja (Crime and Investigations), Andrew Seychell (Administration) and Ray Zammit (Field Operations).

Dr Mallia said the appointments were part of a restructuring process aimed at strengthening the police force. He said that in the coming weeks the government would be appointing more assistant commissioners and superintendents and promotions would be given in all the other ranks.