The judiciary must continue to be an “uncomfortable presence” for people who believe that they could do what they like with impunity, Archbishop Charles Scicluna said today.

In a homily at the start of the forensic year, the head of the Maltese church said he hoped that judges and magistrates continue to be a sign of hope for people who want to do things the right way.

Judges and magistrates should judge people using their knowledge, competence and experience and they should not be conditioned by exterior motives.

It’s important that members of the judiciary are not seen as being cold-hearted people but as understanding and compassionate, he added.

Referring to a speech by Italian judge Rosario Livatino, six years before he was killed by the mafia in September 1990, Scicluna said the assassination took place because he was an uncomfortable presence for criminals.

“I hope that you follow his footsteps. Not by getting killed because enough blood has been shed and [enough] people exploded in this country… But I augur that you will be a uncomfortable presence for those who are corrupt, criminals and those who expect to continue acting with impunity,” the archbishop said.