Speaker finds prima facie breach of privilege over threats to Adrian Delia

Speaker Anġlu Farrugia has ruled that a prima facie breach of parliamentary privilege has been committed against PN MP Adrian Delia, after he received a threatening message linked to a parliamentary committee hearing on ambassadorial appointments.

Delivering his decision in Parliament on Tuesday, Farrugia said that the message contained “clear and serious threats” and intimidation that could have influenced Delia in the exercise of his duties.

He said that no Member of Parliament should be subjected to pressure, coercion or threats in relation to decisions taken as part of their parliamentary role.

The ruling follows a complaint raised in Parliament by Delia on Monday, where he said that during a meeting of the Public Appointments Committee held the previous Wednesday at around 4:45pm, he had questioned two nominees – Marco Micallef and Roseanne Camilleri – strictly on matters related to their suitability for the posts.

Delia said that on Thursday at 10:41am he received a WhatsApp message from the partner of one of the nominees, titled “Even the devil can cite scripture.”

Delia told Parliament that the message included threats, intimidation and attempts at coercion which, in his view, amounted to a serious breach of parliamentary privilege.

He informed the Speaker that he was prepared to hand over all correspondence, including his mobile phone, to substantiate the complaint.

He added that neither he nor any other Opposition member would allow themselves to be intimidated, stressing the need for respect towards MPs so they can carry out their duties without facing threats via messages or emails.

After requesting all relevant information, the Speaker reviewed both the message and documentation provided by Delia, which identified the individual who sent the communication.

The message included references to contacting third parties and taking steps that could negatively affect Delia personally and politically, language the Speaker deemed to constitute serious intimidation.

In his ruling, Farrugia referred to the Privileges and Powers Ordinance, which define any attempt to influence a Member of Parliament through threats or intimidation, or the sending of threatening communications related to their parliamentary duties, as an offence.

He also cited a previous ruling delivered in 2021, emphasising that such provisions exist to ensure MPs can fulfil their mandate on behalf of the public without obstruction or pressure, and that no interference should be exerted on Members or individuals appearing before parliamentary committees.

The Speaker concluded that the message constituted serious intimidation and could have influenced Delia in carrying out his responsibilities.

He therefore ruled that a prima facie case of breach of privilege exists against the individual identified as having sent the message.

Farrugia ordered the Clerk of the House to formally notify the individual of the ruling.

He added that if the sender withdraws the message unreservedly, he may reconsider his decision.

Failing this, the matter may be referred to the Parliamentary Committee on Privileges for further action, the Speaker ruled.

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