Eighty academics have written to the Prime Minister to express their profound "dismay and concern following the recent acquittals in the cases concerning the murders of Daphne Caruana Galizia and Lassana Cissé", calling for a revision of the jury system.

Without entering the merits of either case, or questioning the fundamental principles of judicial independence and the presumption of innocence, we believe that, as citizens, we have every right to express our disappointment and concern about the administration of justice and the effectiveness of Malta's judicial system, the academics said. 

The judiciary constitutes one of the fundamental pillars of a democratic society. Its independence, integrity, effectiveness and credibility are indispensable to upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights and ensuring that everyone, particularly the most vulnerable and marginalised members of society, receives equal protection under the law.

Justice must not only be done; it must also be seen to be done.

These recent acquittals have raised serious questions about public confidence in the administration of justice and the effectiveness of the present jury system. We are particularly concerned about the messages such outcomes may convey to society, especially to minority communities, vulnerable individuals, journalists, and those who stand against discrimination, injustice, and abuses of power.

While fully respecting the independence of the judiciary and the verdicts reached, we firmly believe that no judicial system should be beyond scrutiny, critical examination or reform. Public confidence in justice cannot be taken for granted. It must be continuously earned through transparency, accountability, fairness and the effective administration of justice.

As academics, we have a professional and civic responsibility to contribute to informed public debate, critically examine institutional practices and advocate for reforms that strengthen democratic institutions and protect fundamental rights.

We therefore call on the competent authorities to establish an independent technical committee, comprising legal experts, academics, civil society and other relevant stakeholders, to undertake a comprehensive, evidence-based review of Malta's existing jury system.

Such a review should examine the system's effectiveness, safeguards, procedures, transparency and capacity to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice. It should also draw upon international evidence, comparative judicial practices and the experiences of other democratic jurisdictions.

The committee should be entrusted with presenting concrete recommendations for any legislative, procedural or institutional reforms necessary to strengthen the administration of justice and restore public confidence in the judicial system.

Our call is not an attack on judicial independence, nor an attempt to undermine the fundamental rights of accused persons. On the contrary, it reflects our commitment to a judicial system that is independent, fair, effective, accountable and worthy of the trust placed in it by the people it serves.

A democratic society cannot afford to lose confidence in its justice system, the academics wrote. Justice must serve everyone without distinction, discrimination or prejudice, they wrote.

"We therefore urge the authorities to treat these concerns with the seriousness they deserve and to initiate an independent review without further delay."

The undersigned academics