Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela dismissed claims that Police Commissioner Michael Cassar was about to step down because of political pressure or changes in the police corps. 

The minister told reporters this morning that Mr Cassar was on sick leave and was seeking medical advice. Any decision related to his future within the corps would be based on the advice given, he said, pointing out that he had not handed in any resignation letter.  

Mr Abela shot down comments made by sources in today's edition of The Malta Independent that one of the main reasons behind Mr Cassar’s desire to step down is that a new rank of Chief Executive Officer will shortly be introduced within the corps. He recalled that the CEO announcement was made more than two years ago. 

The minister also outrightly denied claims that government officials were exerting political pressure on Mr Cassar to steer away from investigating individuals named in connection with the Panama Papers.

Mr Cassar was appointed police chief in December 2014, the fourth since the 2013 general election. 

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