How many times have we heard about court cases being deferred over and over again, terminated without even taking off, or not instituted because police reports had not been adequately filed? The reasons behind such maladministration are rarely known. For a better understanding let’s relate this to specific cases.

Following what was considered as a potential criminal activity that took place in November 2015 and after filing a police report, it transpired that the facts as communicated by myself to the police were not included in the report and therefore charges were not issued. After chasing the police and making sure the report was completed, it was communicated that the charges (based on threats and misuse of the telecommunications act) were going to be issued. In March 2016 I queried with the police about the sittings and was told that the person who had been charged was released since I was not present for the sitting where I had to provide my version of the story.

Maladministration 1: I was not present for the sitting as I was not informed about it and the accused was released without a fair hearing, irrespective of whether guilty or not. Who should have informed me and why was I not informed?

In parallel to this, for a separate case, the third person being charged was released on the basis that she was not adequately informed as there was no date stamped on the police notification letter.

Maladministration 2: Was the person charged and released because of administrative mistakes? Who processed and delivered the notification? Who is responsible for such actions and outcomes?

All those concerned and the relevant authorities have been made aware about this case and asked to look into it; questions have been raised but responsibility has not been shouldered, thus leaving questions unanswered.

With this letter it is hoped the administration takes note of when forthcoming sittings are held and that the relevant related cases are fairly processed and investigated. A follow-up letter to this will be published once the cases have been concluded.

Alexei Zammit