1st March, 2025
Press Release Joint Statement – NGOs & Political Parties Oppose Bill No. 125 on Magisterial Inquiries.
Photo: TimesOfMalta / Jonathan Borg
The undersigned NGOs, pressure groups, political parties and individuals express their profound concern and unequivocal opposition to proposed Bill No. 125, which seeks to fundamentally alter the procedures governing magisterial inquiries. This legislative proposal, currently under consideration, poses a grave threat to the foundations of democratic principles, including transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of justice.
The implications of these proposed amendments are deeply troubling and give rise to serious questions about the future of justice and the rule of law in Malta.
Erosion of Citizens’ Rights: The bill alters citizen inquiry requests, requiring police pre-approval (within six months) before a judge can consider an inquiry request. This delays justice and deters reporting.
Undermining Judicial Oversight: The bill imposes a two-year deadline for inquiries, after which materials are handed to the Attorney General regardless of status. It also requires court-admissible evidence for inquiry requests, potentially excluding credible leads.ri
Retrospective Application: Clause 11 dismisses pre-2025 citizen-filed requests without a final decision, undermining ongoing efforts and denying justice.
Broad-Based Opposition: The Chamber of Advocates and Chamber of Commerce have publicly shared these concerns, together with acclaimed judicial dignitaries, noting weakened judicial oversight and restricted citizen access to inquiries.
We hereby urge the government to:
- Suspend the Legislative Process: Halt Bill No. 125 to allow public consultation.
- Engage in Meaningful Dialogue: Collaborate with stakeholders to reassess the bill.
- Preserve Judicial Independence: Ensure reforms don’t compromise judicial autonomy or citizen rights.
We are committed to the rule of law and fundamental rights. This bill is a step backwards for democracy. This statement is endorsed by the following organisations, listed in alphabetical order:
- ADPD – Sandra Gauci
- BirdLife Malta – Caldon Mercieca
- Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation – Corinne Vella
- Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar – Astrid Vella
- Friends of the Earth – Martina Camilleri
- Kopin – William Grech
- Kunsill Studenti Universitarji – Emma Degabriele
- Indipendenti – Matthew Borg Cuschieri
- Momentum – Katya Compagno
- #occupyjustice – Joanna Agius
- PMP – Silvan Agius
- Residenti Beltin – Billy J McBee
- Sliema Residents Association – Anna Maria Baldacchino
- VOLT – Arnas Lasys
Momentum’s Katya Compagno’s Intervention
F’soċjetà demokratika, il-ligijiet qeghdin hemm biex iharsu l-gid komuni u jindukraw id-drittijiet tac-cittadini.
F’ soċjetà demokratika, Il-ligijiet jinbidlu biss biex jissahhu d-drittijiet ta ‘ min hu dgħajjef fis-socjeta’.
U allura huwa tajjeb li, fil-kaz tal-inkjesti magisterjali, jigu proposti emendamenti biex il-vittmi jkunu aġġornati kontinwament dwar l-andament tal-inkjesta u jinghataw bi dritt kopja tal-inkjesta konkluza.
Imma daqshekk. Dak li qed jipproponu il-Prim Ministru Abela u l-Ministru Attard huma emendi biex jitnehha dritt bażiku taċ-ċittadin.
Anki li kieku l-Kummissarju tal-Pulizija kien anġlu tas-sema, ma għandux jitneħħa d-dritt sakrosant taċ-ċittadin li jitlob ftuh ta’ inkjesta direttament lill-magistrat.
Aħseb u ara meta l- Anglu jismu Gafa’, li ġa tana prova għal snin sħaħ li huwa qieghed hemm biex jipproteġi suspettati kriminali bħal tal-Pilatus, bħal Karl Cini, bħal Christian Borg.
Minflok jipprocedi immedjatament kontra dawn in-nies kif ikun ordnalu l-magistrat, il- Kummissarju jew ma jipprocedix, jew jekk jipprocedi l-pulizija tara kif taghmel xi zball biex is-suspettat jigi liberat.
Le, aħna ta’ Momentum ma naccettawx li jitneħħa d-dritt taċ-ċittadin li jirrikorri direttament għand Magistrat biex jitlob inkjesta.
Id-demokrazija f’pajjiż ċivili titlob li l-liġijiet jinbidlu biex jitjiebu u mhux biex jirreprimu d-drittijiet tac-cittadin.
