Abela Says Police Have Power To Charge Anyone Over Prison Laptop Case

Prime Minister Robert Abela has insisted that police can investigate and prosecute anyone if criminal wrongdoing is uncovered in connection with a laptop found inside the prison cell of convicted murderer Adrian Agius, known as Ta’ Maksar.

According to One News, Abela speaking to journalists said that while an internal administrative inquiry is currently under way, this does not prevent police from launching their own investigation if they deem it necessary.

“If there are any shortcomings that amount to a criminal act, the police, together with the attorney general, have the power to prosecute,” he said.

The comments come after prison authorities discovered a laptop with broken security seals inside Agius’ cell, prompting concerns that the device may have been used to access the internet from within prison.

Asked why the case has not led to a magisterial inquiry, Abela pointed to the ongoing administrative investigation and said its conclusions would be published unless investigators recommend otherwise.

He also stressed that the police remain the country’s primary investigative authority and rejected suggestions that he should interfere in their work.

“God forbid a prime minister got involved in the investigations of the police,” Abela said.

Agius is currently serving a life sentence for the murder of lawyer Carmel Chircop. His brother and another associate were also convicted in the same trial over their involvement in the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

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Dylan Attard

Dylan Attard is a Social Media Executive at Lovin Malta and a proud Gozitan with a passion for digital media, content creation, and social trends. Outside of work, you’ll usually find him at the gym, watching series or doomscrolling.