A man whose case is pending since 1993 yesterday filed a petition against the Attorney General, declaring a breach of his fundamental rights to a fair hearing by an independent and impartial court within a reasonable period as stated in the Constitution and the European Conven-tion of Human Rights.

Fourteen years ago Daniel Bonnici pleaded not guilty to committing a number of offences related to irregular rearing of pigs in breach of sanitary regulations during and prior to 1993.

All evidence having been presented by both prosecution and defence, the final submissions had been made and judgement was imminent. All this took place around 1994, said the petition.

Mr Bonnici said he regrets not giving the exact dates of the proceedings, but he has been asking for a copy of the court documents related to his case for a number of years.

His case remains unresolved to this day, although he has been summoned to appear in court for a number of times over the years.

He attended the court session every time, with the hope that his case would be concluded. The case has once again been deferred for judgement and it is now scheduled for 23 February.

As a result of unnecessary delay, Mr Bonnici is declaring a violation of his fundamental right to a fair hearing by an independent and impartial court within a reasonable period of time, as stated in Article 39 of the Constitution and Article 6 of the European Convention of Human Rights.

By means of his petition, Mr Bonnici called for an effective and suitable remedy in the circumstances. He is calling on the court to drop the case and provide him with financial compensation.

The writ was signed by Dr Roberto Montalto and Dr Jose’ Herrera.