Police Commissioner: ‘I’m not part of the government’s political machine’

Peter Paul Zammit denies allegations that his appointment as Commissioner of Police was political or that there is any interference in his work.

Police Commissioner Peter Paul Zammit
Police Commissioner Peter Paul Zammit

Nine months into his tenure as Police Commissioner, Peter Paul Zammit has rebutted allegations that he is part of Labour's "political machine", Sunday newspaper Illum reports.

In an interview with the sister newspaper, Zammit reflects on his role as police commissioner, the investigations into the Enemalta fuel procurement scandal, the shortcomings in the legal system as well as the allegations surrounding his appointment and the appointment of deputy commissioners.

"I was never close to the Labour government and I am not part of the government's political machine," he said about accusations that he was handpicked for the role due to his political allegiance.

Zammit insisted that the government has simply put its trust in him, and that he was never given direct orders by the government to carry out particular investigations, nor did he have any interference in his work.

"I strongly affirm that politics should not play a role within the police corps, more so by the fact that any form of discrimination, including political, is technically illegal," Zammit said.

Zammit said there were several shortcomings in Malta's legal system, some of which have landed Malta in hot water with the European Union.

"What had to be done in eight years was never done," the police commissioner said while referring to a suspect's right to have access to a lawyer.

Read more in today's edition of Illum.

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You are, however, a puppet of the Qormi mayor
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Oh come on...do you think we are ignorant buffoons Commissioner Zammit?
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Best joke of the day!! Did Mr Zammit apply for the post? Was a public examination held? NO???? then yes...he is a political appointee no matter how much he tries to camouflage it!