Speaker Anglu Farrugia has turned down self-suspended minister Chris Cardona’s request for Parliament to protect him in light of a reported attempt to frame him for the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia.

Cardona asked the Speaker for Parliament’s protection after reports that former government Chief of Staff Keith Schembri and leading businessmen Yorgen Fenech had tried to place the murder of Caruana Galizia squarely on Cardona’s shoulders.

“I believe that any attempt to prejudice and attack a member of Parliament’s constitutional function requires strong and effective action, including from the House itself, the highest institution in the country,” Cardona said.

However, Farrugia dismissed his request, ruling that it wasn’t in line with Parliament’s Standing Orders.

“The regulations presuppose that the reports are related to speeches and actions made in Parliament,” he said. “It doesn’t seem as though your complaint can fall under any under regulation of the Standing Orders.”

“While I understand your concerns, because this is something I passed through myself and I’m still passing through, I cannot see how I can give you some form of protection.”