Malta’s justice system is increasingly becoming a mockery

Malta’s justice system is increasingly becoming a mockery – Repubblika

Friday, 12 November 2021, 12:09 Last update: about 4 years ago

Today’s events in a courtroom which allowed former EU Commissioner John Dalli to leave without being formally charged on allegations dating back to December 2012 is a mockery in itself, NGO Repubblika said. It seems as if the Maltese state does not have the power nor will to react accordingly and appropriately, the NGO said in a statement.

In December 2012, Malta’s police force determined that it had sufficient proof against Dalli on grounds of corruption during his time as European Commissioner, the NGO said. The Attorney General at the time, Peter Grech, supported this determination.

Dalli evaded justice until the Labour Party was elected to government and was guaranteed immunity through the appointment of a Police Commissioner who wanted nothing to do with him. “Dalli has evaded charges for 9 years with the aid of institutions which wanted him to remain free,” said Repubblika.

Now that he has finally been called to answer to these accusations, the Attorney General said that there is EU legislation that protects Dalli from being charged, via legal immunity.

While awaiting direction from the European Commission on this regard, Repubblika said that it has an obligation to ask the reason why the Attorney General waited 9 years to address this case of serious and prominent corruption. For these last 9 years, Malta has suffered global criticism for failing to react to Dalli’s case, said Repubblika. It said that if John Dalli is indeed granted legal immunity, it would have been better for Malta’s reputation for the Attorney General to have spoken up long ago.

Repubblika described the legal immunity stand taken in court today as, “weak, stupid and irresponsible.” Dalli has been able to enjoy his freedom since returning to Malta by virtue of Joseph Muscat. This is “not only immunity but also impunity,” the NGO said.

Repubblika said that it is farce and embarrassing that Malta’s institutions act in the interest of “criminals in power,” rather than their victim citizens.

If the European Commission concludes that John Dalli’s call for immunity which enables him to be bought without facing any consequences, is voided, then the Attorney General must leave the job for someone who, “knows what they are doing,” said Repubblika.