The opposition’s spokesman for justice today described as “irresponsible” the government’s decision to appoint an independent inquiry into the death of Nicholas Azzopardi

Anglu Farrugia said that once a magisterial inquiry was also in progress, appointing a separate inquiry cast a shadow on the judicial system.

The police are claiming that Mr Azzopardi was trying to escape police custody when he jumped over a high wall at the back of police headquarters. The family have alleged he was beaten at police headquarters.

Dr Farrugia asked Justice and Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici to explain himself.

Earlier in the week the Chamber of Advocates queried the government decision, saying there was a risk of having two different outcomes from the inquiries.