The Home Affairs Ministry is still to decide whether it will appeal a court decision that the Ombudsman can probe army complaints.
On Monday, Mr Justice Lawrence Mintoff settled a two-year dispute between Ombudsman Joseph Said Pullicino and former home affairs minister Manuel Mallia ruling that the former had the authority to investigate complaints by army officers.
The case was continued by present minister Carmelo Abela, who yesterday said the ministry was evaluating the ruling and had not yet decided whether to appeal the sentence.
“We took note of the court sentence and we are evaluating it internally. Following the evaluation, we will then decide on the way forward… according to procedure, we have 20 [working] days to decide whether to appeal or not,” he said.
The dispute revolved around a number of controversial promotions handed out in September 2013, notably that of Jeffrey Curmi who spiralled to brigadier from major.
A number of judicial protests and counter protests led to the matter reaching the First Hall of the Civil Court, tasked with deciding who was right. In upholding the Ombudsman’s case, Mr Justice Mintoff said he could proceed with his investigation and ordered the ministry to provide the Ombudsman’s office with all the required documentation.
The ministry took note of the sentence given by the law courts… and is currently evaluating all possibilities
The Ombudsman hopes to be able to continue looking into the complaints. A spokesman said:
“The Ombudsman trusts that he will be in a position to continue with the investigation of complaints made by officers of the Armed Forces forthwith. Of course this depends on whether the defendants exercise their right to appeal the judgment.”
Answering separate questions sent by the newspaper, the Ministry failed to say whether it believed the position of permanent secretary Kevin Mahoney and Brgd. Curmi were tenable following this ruling.
“The ministry took note of the sentence given by the law courts… and is currently evaluating all possibilities from a legal aspect before providing any further reactions,” a spokeswoman said.
‘Look upon your work in AFM as a career’
National Security Minister Carmelo Abela yesterday urged AFM officers to look upon their work in the army as a career.
“We have seen 200 new recruits over the past two years and our appeal is to consider enrolment within the disciplinary corps not just as a job but as a career,” he said.
The government was investing in the army’s human resources, Dr Abela said, referring to Budget measures that propose doubling soldiers’ allowance, while €1 million have been pledged for training.
The minister was speaking after viewing an exhibition at the Valletta Waterfront set up by army officers.
The exhibition forms part of the AFM’s 45th anniversary celebrations that will include an open day today at Pinto wharfs four and five between 2pm and 11pm.
Apart from a display of helicopters, vessels and weapons, there will also be stands providing information to those interested in joining the army.
Visitors can board patrol boats and take part in a mini-assault course to test their physical and adrenaline levels. At 9pm, the AFM band will perform a concert with three Maltese singers.
At 10.15pm, there will be a grand finale with synchronised music, the firing of cannons, bell ringing and a patrol formation.