AFM Dismissal Upheld: Soldier’s Mocking Unacceptable

Imagine standing at the bustling Triq il-Mediterran, the main artery of Malta’s capital, Valletta. The sun is beating down, and you’re waiting for the bus, when suddenly, you spot a soldier, in full uniform, laughing and mimicking the army gate guard. This wasn’t a private joke; it was captured on video and shared online, sparking outrage and a court martial.

The soldier, identified as Private Joseph Azzopardi, was dismissed from the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) in 2020. His dismissal was upheld this week by the Court of Appeal, in a ruling that described the action as ‘fair and timely’.

The incident occurred in 2019, when Azzopardi, then a private in the AFM, was caught on camera mimicking a gate guard’s movements at the AFM’s Hal Far base. The video, which went viral, showed Azzopardi mocking the guard’s salute and parade stance, laughing and pointing at the guard.

The AFM swiftly launched an investigation, leading to Azzopardi’s dismissal. He challenged the decision, arguing that his actions were not serious enough to warrant dismissal. However, the court disagreed.

In its ruling, the Court of Appeal emphasized the importance of discipline and respect within the armed forces. It noted that Azzopardi’s actions had brought the AFM into disrepute and undermined the authority of his superiors.

“The appellant’s conduct was a breach of discipline and a breach of trust,” the court stated. “It was not a trivial matter, but one that warranted the severe penalty of dismissal.”

This ruling sends a clear message to the AFM and the public at large: such behavior will not be tolerated. It underscores the need for respect and discipline, not just within the armed forces, but in all walks of life.

With this ruling, the AFM can move forward, confident that justice has been served. Azzopardi, meanwhile, has been advised to consider his actions carefully in the future. As for the rest of us, let’s remember that our actions, especially when they involve mocking authority, can have serious consequences.

As Lieutenant Colonel David Attard, the AFM’s legal officer, put it, “This case serves as a reminder that the Armed Forces of Malta will not tolerate any behavior that undermines its values and discipline.”