NGO Repubblika issued a statement saying that the inefficient justice administration is aggravating the suffering of victims and propping up criminals. 

The NGO expressed its communitarian sadness with the rest of Malta at the murder of Bernice Cassar, saying that women in this country are victims of abuse, violence, discrimination and sometimes even killings committed by men. 

Expressing solidarity with activists fighting for women’s rights, the NGO went on to point out three observations which highlight the suffering of women in Malta. 

Firstly, they said, the decision by Minister Byron Camilleri and Police Commissioner Angelo Gaga to announce to announce the centralisation of domestic violence reports process made it more difficult for victims to access authorities who could protect them. 

This was announced on November 30th, 2020, and means that victims who wished to file a report were planned to go back home and back to the place where the violence may have occurred. 

The situation was made worse by the fact that domestic violence cases are heard by just one magistrate, delaying the time for justice to be served. At present, people reporting domestic abuse would only have their case heard in 18 months’ time. 

Despite Bernice Cassar having a protection order issued in her favour, nothing was done to ensure that this order was adhered to. These are all political and administrative failures, the NGO said. 

An independent inquiry would establish the facts so that mistakes would not be repeated, Repubblika said. However, the inquiry cannot work serenely given that the decisions made by the minister and the commissioner resulted in the brutal death of Bernice. 

#MaltaDaily