A Greek court's decision not to extradite a Russian whistleblower to Malta proves that Joseph Muscat is causing damage to the country's reputation, according to Nationalist spokesman Simon Busuttil.
This is the first time that a foreign court decided in such a manner against Malta, said the former PN leader, now a spokesman for good governance.
"Despite bragging about the introduction of a whistleblowers' law, the Greek court's decision confirms that whistleblowers are not being given protection," Dr Busuttil said.
Malta issued a European arrest warrant for 36-year-old Russian Maria Efimova, who stirred a political scandal over allegations of wrongdoing at Maltese-registered Pilatus Bank.
Ms Efimova, who left Malta last year with her family, turned herself in to Greek police last month. She was arrested under the warrant for alleged misappropriation of funds, accusations that she denies.
Ms Efimova was one of the sources used by journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia when she claimed that the prime minister's wife was the ultimate beneficiary of proceeds in Egrant Inc, a secret Panama company.
A court ruled on Thursday against extraditing Ms Efimova to Malta and ordered her release. Following the prosecutor's appeal, Greece's top court is expected to hear the case, judiciary sources said on Friday.
In a reaction on Thursday, Dr Muscat said the decision did not reflect a lack of trust in Malta. He also pointed out that the extradition request was made by the Maltese courts, independently of the government.