It’s evident that after more than seven long years of preparing the compilation of evidence by our courts, the three Maltese clerics who had allegedly sexually abused children under their care are now playing for time. Just when Lawrence Grech and company thought they were nearly there, they have again found themselves back at square one.

These clerics have now filed a case before our Constitutional Court where, among other things, they are claiming that they cannot have a fair trial, as they are already being tried by a section of the media while their case is still sub judice. They are now also complaining that their case has been over-exposed in the local media. Obviously, this is unavoidable in our Catholic country for the simple reason that they are priests and not just Tom, Dick or Harry. Perhaps this case would have taken a different twist if the alleged abusers didn’t happen to be priests.

A few months ago, the Curia Response Team finally referred the case to the Vatican authorities for judgement. I wonder if these priests have also protested with the Vatican, alleging that the local and foreign media was prejudicing their case. Most probably not, because the most the Vatican can do, if they are found guilty, is defrock them. However, our courts, at the most, can mete out a prison sentence if they are found guilty. On the other hand, we all know that the law is the same for everyone. May justice also prevail in this peculiar case, which has been dragging on for more than seven years. Even our President, Dr George Abela, had promised the alleged victims that he would do his utmost so that legal proceedings are hastened. Moreover, it is of paramount importance that justice is not only done, but must also be seen to be done.

In the meantime, the alleged victims anxiously await the final outcome of their case. However, as they say, justice delayed is justice denied!

Charles Cirillo

HAMRUN