The government has come under renewed pressure to suspend Kurt Buhagiar, an official accused of involuntary murder in connection with the untimely death of 20-year-old Jean Paul Sofia.

The appeal was made by Jean Paul Sofia's mother, who took to the Għal Jean Paul Facebook page to demand accountability and express deep frustration that Buhagiar remains in a public role despite being charged with involuntary homicide.

"Now, I ask the Authorities who made the decision on Kurt Buhagiar who is accused of the involuntary murder of my dear son to leave the accused suspended as is right and proper!" she wrote.

Sofia died when a building under construction at the Corradino Industrial Estate collapsed - an incident that triggered national grief, political tension, and eventually a public inquiry. The inquiry, published in 2023, found widespread regulatory failings and determined that Jean Paul's death had been preventable.

"This is a great injustice on us who are suffering the consequences and tremendous pain because of this person and his friends!" the victim's mother wrote. "We are innocent and we are suffering the consequences of his actions....is that fair?"

 "Have we learned nothing from the 'mistakes' we admitted in this case?" she asked.

Buhagiar was among those charged last year. However he has been reinstated to his post, prompting concern from the victim's family and civil society voices.

"Why are you protecting him so much that you had to remove a Minister who did not agree with this decision you made?" she asked, suggesting there may have been internal political disagreement over the matter.

Her message also reflected on the public pressure that had initially forced the government to act. "TWO YEARS ago I showed great support so that together in one colour we united, we brought a Public Inquiry and a reform in the construction sector began!"

In a direct plea to those in power, she wrote: "If it were your son would you have done the same?"

The Facebook post concluded with a heartfelt request: "Please share as much as you can. Thank you on behalf of my son and all the victims ".