The Labour Party has provided Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando with round-the-clock private security following a series of “credible” threats against his family.
Nothing can justify what we are being put through
The offer was made by Michelle Muscat, the wife of Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat, an “old friend” of Dr Pullicino Orlando’s partner Carmen Ciantar, a Labour activist, The Times has learnt.
Dr Pullicino Orlando last month voted with the opposition to oust one of the Nationalist Party’s most valued exponents Richard Cachia Caruana, Malta’s EU Ambassador and PN strategist, prompting outrage from party supporters.
When contacted, the PL confirmed having helped “source” a security company to “Ms Ciantar’s family” after it became known that she was concerned about her family’s security.
A spokesman said the services were not costing the party anything.
Dr Pullicino Orlando, who says he is not paying for the service either, explained why he had accepted the offer, despite having been given police protection.
He said he had received a number of credible threats, specifically aimed at members of his immediate family.
For personal security he usually engages the security agency of Stephen Ciangura, “a personal friend”, who also provides the PN with security on a regular basis.
“He provides his services to the PN free of charge. He does not charge me for his services either,” Dr Pullicino Orlando said.
“Mrs Muscat is an old friend of my partner, Carmen. Once she heard that our family was being threatened she graciously contacted Carmen and asked her whether she could be of any help in this respect.
“After consulting me, Carmen obviously accepted. We have four children in our household and this is not an easy time for us. Any offer for help is appreciated.”
Dr Pullicino Orlando said he informed the Prime Minister and PN general secretary Paul Borg Olivier accordingly last week.
“I was completely honest with regard to the assistance being given to us thanks to Mrs Muscat. I told Dr Borg Olivier that I would appreciate it if he felt he was in a position to offer any assistance in this respect.
“I can publicly reiterate that I will accept any help offered by him.”
Dr Pullicino Orlando added that he would be holding those who have resorted to “inciting people against me and my family” personally responsible for any harm that could befall any of his relatives.
“Nothing can justify what we are being put through,” he said, adding that if people wanted him expelled from the party for exercising his democratic right in Parliament, they should do so without resorting to “vile, bullying tactics”.
Dr Pullicino Orlando said he was grateful for the protection offered by the police, noting that this was not round-the-clock.