Prime Minister Joseph Muscat today refused to condemn a criminal defamation case filed by former Police Commissioner Peter Paul Zammit against Justice shadow minister Jason Azzopardi.

Dr Azzopardi is to be taken to court following comments he made at a press conference about Mr Zammit.

Addressing the press, Dr Muscat denied in any way prompting Mr Zammit to file the case against Dr Azzopardi.  He said he could not condemn the right of a private citizen to defend his integrity.

Dr Muscat said there was no contact of liaison between himself and Mr Zammit.

“It was a private decision,” the Prime Minister said.

Opposition leader Simon Busuttil said yesterday this was the latest desperate attempt by the Prime Minister to intimidate the Opposition. He said Dr Muscat had his back against the wall over the Panama scandal.

Asked if he would be taking action against his chief of staff Keith Schembri and Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi, Dr Muscat said he would await the outcome of an audit.

“I hope you write what I am telling you,” Dr Muscat said.