Malta needs new criminal offences after what emerged in Fenech trial \u2013 Jason Azzopardi<\/p>\n
Lawyer Jason Azzopardi, who formed part of the parte civile representing Daphne Caruana Galizia’s family in Yorgen Fenech’s trial, has called on the government to immediately introduce three new criminal offences into Maltese law, arguing that conduct heard about during the two-month trial is currently not considered a crime.<\/p>\n
In a Facebook post on Thursday, Azzopardi said he had “a lot to say,” but for the time being wanted to make an appeal based on what he had witnessed during the trial and what he described as shortcomings in Malta’s Criminal Code.<\/p>\n
“There is a lot I have to say, but for now I will make an appeal as someone who has seen with his own eyes the consequences of our Criminal Code’s failure to consider as criminal offences much of the conduct you heard about over the past two months,” Azzopardi wrote.<\/p>\n
He pointed towards three offences found in UK law: misconduct in public office, which he said carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment; perverting the course of justice, which can also carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment; and assisting an offender, which he said can carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.<\/p>\n
Azzopardi noted that the latter offence had previously been known in England as “accessory after the fact” until 1967.<\/p>\n
“Malta does not have them,” he said.<\/p>\n
“You heard about conduct which took place after the murder which, although it scandalised us, is nevertheless not a criminal offence.”<\/p>\n
Azzopardi said he had proposed introducing the offences twice before 2022, but that the proposals had been voted down.<\/p>\n
“I hope that today you have realised how much we need them. I appeal to the government to legislate immediately,” he said.<\/p>\n
Azzopardi concluded his post by referring to Charlie Wires, an unnamed court employee who featured during the trial.<\/p>\n
“Remember that the only person against whom there is an investigation order is Charlie Wires, a very ordinary court employee,” he said.<\/p>\n
“But it is no problem if you try to bribe a witness and approach a witness to testify in your favour,” Azzopardi added.<\/p>\n