Updated with 1:55pm with PL statement

Jason Azzopardi has appealed a court’s decision to turn down requests for a probe into Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri, claiming that a different magistrate to those handling the cases authored the rejection.

In his appeal, Azzopardi argued that a court decree rejecting his request for a probe into Camilleri about an Olympic-sized pool was rejected by Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech and not Magistrate Brigitte Sultana, who was supposed to be handling the request.

In support of his claim, Azzopardi wrote that the “properties” of the court decree document showed that Frendo Dimech was its author. An IT professional, who was consulted, confirmed the assertion.

The properties of the court decree reads that Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech is the author.

He argued that all three rejections should be considered null and void as Frendo Dimech's was used as a "template" for the others

The outspoken lawyer also called for an “investigation on various levels”.

Azzopardi had requested investigations into allegations involving Camilleri, his wife and ministry officials concerning road works in Nadur, berthing rights in Mġarr and works on a sports centre swimming pool in Victoria.

All three were dismissed by Magistrate Brigitte Sultana on Monday, who concluded the requests did not satisfy the prerequisites laid down by law for such inquiries to be requested.

Prime Minister Robert Abela took to Facebook, labelling Azzopardi’s actions as being part of the “Nationalist Party’s extremist faction”.

Abela condemned Azzopardi’s request for an "investigation on various levels" as being “a heinous attack on the institution of justice” as only two magistrates are heard.

'Harsh attack by extremist faction'

Reacting to Azzopardi’s challenge, the Labour Party said in a statement Thursday it condemned the “harsh attack” on “the country’s highest institutions and the very pillars of our democracy.” 

Attributing the attacks to an “extremist faction” within the Nationalist Party, it said Opposition Leader Bernard Grech should “assert his authority and denounce these attacks”. 

While a member of the PN for 34 years, including five years in government, Azzopardi bowed out of the party in 2022.  

“The message from the extremist faction that has long dominated the Nationalist Party is clear: either comply with their demands or be attacked and torn down,” the statement read.  

“Now, because a magistrate ruled in a way they did not favour, they have resorted to accusing her of being complicit in a crime and in illegalities, while demanding that two judges be placed under investigation.” 

Referencing recent PN criticism of Speaker Anġlu Farrugia, whom the Opposition has accused of partisan bias, the PL said the PN had “done the same in Parliament”. 

“Faced with their disgraceful conduct in the country’s highest institution, and because the Speaker refused to bow to their pressure, they insulted him – calling him obscene and mindless,” the PL said.  

“The Labour Party firmly maintains that such disgraceful attacks have no place in our society.”