Two soldiers who were not promoted because they did not get security clearance have appealed a judgment finding their rights were not violated.

Mr Justice Anthony Ellul, in the Constitutional Court, made the decision in the case Lieutenant Colonel Mario Schembri and Major Pierre Vassallo filed against the Prime Minister, Home Affairs Minister, Attorney General and head of the Armed Forces in July 2007.

In the appeal, they argued the National Security Authority, which refused to give them clearance, was not a tribunal or an adjudicating authority to decide such a matter and they should have the opportunity to defend themselves.

The soldiers asked the court to overturn the decision. Lawyers David Camilleri and Joseph Gatt signed the appeal.