Parliament yesterday unanimously condemned any form of violence on public officials, especially the police.
The condemnation, moved by Jason Azzopardi (PN), followed the presentation by Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela of a resolution to amend the Police Laws to include all officers in disciplined forces, enabling retired officers to benefit from pension schemes.
The Legal Notice was being amended retroactively to March 2013, a few days before the election, since it was moved by a Nationalist Administration.
Dr Abela said that the Legal Notice had been enacted but was not in force since it required a parliamentary resolution. This meant that officers who changed forces would not do so to the detriment of their pensions.
Dr Azzopardi said that given this Legal Notice had been enacted under the previous legislature, the Opposition was in favour of the amendments. He recalled the work of the late Guido de Marco who, as minister for the police, had worked assiduously to raise the profile and integrity of the force.
Let us all pass a clear message of categorical condemnation to these quiet operatives and unsung heroes
He described the recent spate of violence against members of the Police Force as despicable and obscene, adding: “Let us all pass a clear message of categorical condemnation to these quiet operatives and unsung heroes of our society.”
Dr Abela thanked Opposition spokesman Beppe Fenech Adami for his support on this resolution. He said the government was working hard to improve the image of the police and change should not be interpreted as interference.
Mr Abela joined the Opposition in the unreserved condemnation of violence against members of the police force while they carried out their duties.
He appealed to the law courts to use the harsher penalties enacted unanimously in Parliament, even to the extent of seeking the spirit of the legislation as debated in the House. If further amendments were required, they would be accepted unanimously.
Acting Speaker Ċensu Galea said the Chair joined the government and the Opposition in condemning the acts of violence on the police.