Momentum calls on Attorney General to resign

Following recent acquittals in the trials relating to the murders of Daphne Caruana Galizia and Lassana Cisse, and amid recurring shortcomings in criminal prosecutions, including the recent case involving Maximilian Ciantar, Momentum is calling on Attorney General Dr Victoria Buttigieg to tender her resignation.

In the Ciantar case, the court highlighted serious shortcomings, including the prosecution’s failure to summon the main witness who allegedly saw him with a prohibited weapon at Mater Dei Hospital. Instead, it relied on two witnesses who repeated what they had been told. Police also failed to inform Ciantar of his right to remain silent before questioning him. The prosecution ultimately failed to establish that the weapon belonged to him.

In the Lassana Cisse proceedings, the prosecution also incorrectly specified the maximum sentence applicable to a separate offence of racially aggravated grievous bodily harm, restricting the sentence that could be imposed by the court.

Dr Matthew Agius, executive member of Momentum, said, “Such failures undermine Malta’s institutions responsible for upholding law and order and demoralise officers within the Malta Police Force. Public confidence in safety and security is weakened when perpetrators of serious crimes are not brought to justice.”

Momentum said that the Government should promptly present a plan to strengthen the Prosecution Unit within the Office of the Attorney General and ensure it can recruit and retain highly qualified legal professionals. This should include competitive compensation, suitable working conditions, adequate staffing and administrative support, and clear opportunities for professional development and career progression.

A transparent framework governing movement between the prosecution office and private legal practice (revolving door policy) should also be introduced. Appropriate disclosure requirements, conflict-of-interest safeguards and proportionate cooling-off periods would help protect the independence and integrity of prosecutions.

Dr Agius added, “Accountability must start at the highest level. Given the repeated shortcomings and the questions surrounding the performance of the prosecution system, Dr Victoria Buttigieg should take institutional responsibility and resign.”

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