Rizzo does not take back his claims

Former Police Commissioner John Rizzo this afternoon refused to take back his words about official police boats not being used for swimming trips during his tenure. Asked about the photos published by Times of Malta showing police entertaining foreign cadets on boats in 2010 and 2012, Mr Rizzo said questions on the matter should be sent through the Home Affairs Ministry. Asked whether he still thought he should have said these things did not happen under his watch, he said: "Yes." Now director of the Civil Protection Department, Mr Rizzo was questioned during a press conference at CPD's headquarters where 10 new emergency response cars were unveiled. Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia said it was true that questions are best directed through him. However, he stressed that he did not want to see police boats being used for entertainment or sunbathing. He highlighted the fact that this behaviour happened in the past but said this did not matter. What mattered was that it should not happen again and this was why he demanded an explanation from Police Commissioner Peter Paul Zammit who subsequently reprimanded four officers. Dr Mallia said the Government had started an €8...