Magistrate Natasha Galea Sciberras, Dr Henri Mizzi and Dr Mark Simiana took the oath of office as judges in the Superior Courts of Malta during a ceremony presided by the President of Malta George Vella at the Presidential Palace in Valletta.

The President reminded the new judges that from today onwards, their work will carry much more responsibility. “Through your work and judgement, the rights of everyone in our country will continue to be protected, without any distinction or preference”, stated the President, while reminding them that justice must not make any distinction and must not favour or prejudice any class, race, religion, or gender.

In his speech, President Vella said that proper justice requires circumstances of full independence from any external interference, influence, or pressure. The President reminded that “in such prestigious appointments, we cannot act one way during the performance of our duties and another way during our so-called ‘private life’”. He added that responsibility, professionalism, and impartiality must be maintained and seen always and everywhere.

While appealing to the new Judges to always preserve and maintain their integrity, the President urged them to always keep front of mind the respect for their position, the observance of ethics and, above all, honesty towards the oath of office.

President Vella augured the new judges to do everything expected of them with zeal, with professionalism and, above all, with desire for serving justice.

Present for the oath of office ceremony were Prime Minister Robert Abela, Minister for Justice Jonathan Attard, Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti and State Advocate Chris Soler.