A 17-year-old teenager was arraigned in court this morning, after posting a threatening message on Facebook.  

Due to the accused’s age, a court order banning his name was issued.

Lawyer Joe Giglio, who appeared as Parte Civile for Marlene Farrugia, said that over the course of the past years, Farrugia has received many threats and never to action on them, but due to the circumstances the country currently finds itself in - in clear reference to Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder, she felt she needed to take action once the threatening message was posted.

He said that she felt the need to act as people believe such comments are in a vacuum, but stressed the need to reflect, and ask ourselves whether such comments and posts are having a negative impact, sending a message that anything goes. 

He stressed that the Parte Civile was not seeking an effective prison term, but wants people to be careful of what they say and write, as while people might not believe in what they themselves are writing, others might misinterpret what is being said.

Giglio noted that the accused had apologised after the police report was filed, and that there was no other post by him directed at Marlene Farrugia.

Franco Debono, one of the lawyers appearing for the youth, said his client was again apologising and had removed the comment. He noted that the accused is a student. The accused’s tearful family members sat behind him in court.

Debono said he had been a victim of threats in the past, but chose to leave things with a police report. 

“We have a young man before us. And I believe the court should give a punishment that fits the crime, keeping in mind that he recognised his own wrongdoing, apologised, and admitted. I don’t think there should be an effective prison term imposed.”

After taking all arguments into consideration, Magistrate Doreen Clarke handed down an 18-month prison term suspended for three years, and also issued a three year protection order.

The Magistrate said that she appreciated that the youth had apologised, but stressed that it was important to stop and think before saying or writing something. “What we say and write does not only have an effect on you and the person you are addressing, but on everyone who can read it.”

Lawyer Marion Camilleri also represented the accused, and Inspector Charlotte Curmi prosecuted.