Nikki Dimech claims breach of human rights

Former Sliema mayor Nikki Dimech has filed a Constitutional application against the Police Commissioner and the Attorney General claiming breach of his fundamental human rights. In his application, Mr Dimech said he was arrested on allegations of corruption and bribery related to his position as Sliema mayor. Following his arrest, he had complained publicly about how he had been treated by the police, in particular by Inspector Angelo Gafa. He was re-arrested three weeks after his first arrest and accused of defamation of making threats against the police inspector. Mr Dimech said he was taken to court with urgency at night and accused of corruption and threats against the inspector. The prosecutor was the same police inspector. He claimed in his application that he was arrested at night to sensationalise his case and prejudice it with pre-trial publicity. He said that although he was eventually found guilty, he appealed that decision. Mr Dimech said he believed that the process at the first court was tainted and he had not been given a fair hearing by an independent and impartial court. He requested the Constitutional Court to declare the proceedings against him null and for the...