The Malta Police Association this morning filed a judicial letter against the Prime Minister and the Home Affairs Minister accusing them of denying police officers their basic right to join a union.

The committee noted there were currently 43 unions in Europe representing police corps and which formed part of the European Police Trade Unions or the European Confederation of Police.

Although both the government and the opposition had said police in Malta should also enjoy such rights, the government was dragging its feet, had not consulted the association and had not yet embarked on the legislative process for the law to be changed.

This was another way of strangling the association's voice hindering it from carrying out its duty in the interest of the police.

It was noted that the Lisbon Treaty, ratified by Malta, safeguarded an individual's rights and freedoms and specified that everyone had the right of association at all levels, including in a union.

The letter was signed by Robert Abela.