The recent events, in which three reports on the performance of the police were made public, warrant reflection. Yes, the findings of these reports should be brought to the attention of the public. In fact, this has already been amplified by the unprecedented publishing of both the Harry Vassallo as well as the Nicholas Azzopardi reports, which have exposed to all the circumstances around the allegations made against the Police Force, the evidence produced, the experts' opinions and finally the judicial balance. The three reports were penned by three legal minds: Two of experienced ex-Judges Franco Depasquale and Albert Manchè; the third of present serving Magistrate Anthony Vella.
Their learned reasoning and analysis of the facts are there for all to see. To my mind, this provides clear evidence that this is a country where the democratic system is supreme. Contrary to the beliefs in some quarters, this is a society where the checks and balances are clearly in place. Without ignoring the fact that we are an archipelago of islands populated with doubting Thomases and cynics, these reports reveal that the system is working. The legal setup, which the Nationalist Party has managed to develop successfully, albeit with sheer difficulties and against all odds, is guaranteeing a society in which human rights and democracy are, in practice and not just in theory, protected and respected.
The system that we inherited 20 years ago was a far cry from this. I humbly say that, during the course of the last Socialist legislature I feel proud to have dedicated my life, together with many others, to ensure that the dictatorial style of rule adopted by the Malta Labour Party was brought to an end once and for all. Today, after having endured all those years of fighting against those who had suppressed our liberty and fundamental rights, I find myself as Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, representing the administration - a position in which I am subjected to public scrutiny (sometimes biased) and political personal attacks. Looking at the bright side, however, this position empowers me to oversee the operation of the democratic system, thus ensuring not only that it works, but that it is also seen to be working.
These reports show that, as a political party, we have succeeded in providing our citizens with a system that separates the wheat from the chaff. A few months ago I was accused of drinking tea downtown in Xgħajra at a time when criminal acts were being committed within the Police Force. Today, much to my relief, that apparent shadow has been cleared. Had the reports shown the contrary, it would have been a mammoth task to revert the situation. Fortunately, the reports under review have proved, in terms of both logic as well as evidence that this course of action is not called for. The case involving Nardu Debono forms part of the Labour Party's portfolio and has not been repeated under Nationalist Party administrations.
However, I beg not to be misinterpreted. This is not a triumphal march. The press has a determining role. It must remain free and independent of the government. Free to make a conjecture, free to suspect, free to accuse, free to imply, or whatever.
However, perhaps it is worth reminding those who may have very conveniently forgotten, that my generation was among those who fought for and restored the freedom of speech and of the press on the Maltese islands. At times, the public is led to believe that the administration considers the press a threat. This is far from true.
The truth is that, contrary to the negative perceptions held by a segment of Maltese society, we are in favour of and support the free press with the significant provision that it does not violate its own rights through the reporting of events that fail to reflect factual information. It is only at that junction that we feel that our intervention is necessary. I reiterate, we are in favour of the free press, however, we would humbly act in an attempt to maintain its role within the context of divulging the facts, the truth. No more, and no less.
The recent reports clearly suggest that the system has worked. We do appreciate a free press that is based on a solid foundation of sound judgment. We shall continue to support it, because it is a fundamental guarantee of the democratic system that we have fought to restore. Therefore, as a party that holds strong democratic beliefs, we are committed to guaranteeing that the free press is, and shall continue to be, maintained. These reports do not blow the triumphal horn against any sector of the press. On the contrary, they provide evidence that the press is vital to our society.
In concluding, I should like to highlight the fact that the findings of these reports have confirmed, without any shadow of doubt, that the Police Force has not acted illegally. On the contrary, it has adhered to the spirit and letter of the law.
Dr Mifsud Bonnici is Minister for Justice and Home Affairs.