PL Deputy Leader Toni Abela argued the case in question was a civil case, not a criminal one, emphasising that this was the reason for approaching the police officer.

“I did nothing wrong in speaking to the police,” Dr Abela held during a press conference at the PL Headquarters in Hamrun indicating that he did not put any pressure on the officer, however merely asked him not to continue investigations. He added that any lawyer would do the same in order to indicate to police that it was not crime related. The case related to a change of locks, he said continuing that he shoulders responsibility for the meeting with the police officer and said that he did not inform PL Leader Joseph Muscat.

Speaking about the statement released by Nationalist MP David Agius, Dr Abela argued that he was never approached by the police regarding an investigation into this matter, regardless of the fact that they were informed of his meeting with the policeman years ago..

Dr Abela confirmed the alleged statement that he found a ‘Labour’ policeman, but denied allegations that he purposely went to find a labourite.

Dr Abela mentioned Richard Vella, claiming that he was found guilty of beating a man to within an inch of his life in 2009. The PL Deputy Leader announced that he has approached the police in the past regarding Labourites involved in criminal activity, further emphasising that he would not have approached the policeman and asked him not to proceed if criminal activity was involved. 

Toni Abela stated that he cannot believe that the PN knew about this recording three years ago, whilst they had no idea about the oil procurement scandal. He said that the difference between the PL and PN is apparent, adding that he has the nerve to face the press in light of these allegations however Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Communication Austin Gatt has yet to do the same regarding oil procurement.

“It is clear that the PN will attempt to politically assassinate the character of PL candidates,” Dr Abela concluded.

Toni Abela audio recording revealed

Nationalist MP David Agius revealed the existence of an audio recording related to the case of Labour Party Deputy Leader Toni Abela.

The recording reveals that Dr Abela allegedly said that he entered the police station and searched for a labourite policeman in order to request that charges not be made, Mr Agius argued. He stated that on October 15, 2010, he received knowledge of the contents of the recording and identified Toni Abela as the person speaking.

Furthermore, on October 20, 2010, Mr Agius claims that he contacted the Police Commissioner, stating what was heard and asked him to investigate.

It has been reported that Labour Leader Joseph Muscat will later release a detailed statement to clarify the matter.