Six claim political discrimination

Six former officials in the secretariats of various ministries under the old government who were detailed to the Malta Sports Council just before the general election filed a judicial protest against the Minister of Education and the Parliamentary Secretary for Sport today after their detail was revoked. Silvan Bugeja, Angelito Sciberras, Roderick Vella, Robert Attard, Colin Calleja and Saviour Farrugia said their detail to the council was made according to the legitimate instructions of the Director of Resources of the Office of the Prime Minister. But immediately after the change of government a campaign had been launched against them in the media and 11 questions were asked about them in Parliament by government MPs. Earlier this month then were informed by e-mail that their detail was revoked. The six claimed this was a case of political discrimination which could cost them their job. The six called for their posting to be restored within 24 hours. Dr Ian Spiteri Bailey signed the protest.