Femicide observatory concerned by acquittal in Sion Grech's trial
The Malta Observatory on Femicide said on Wednesday it is concerned by the latest acquittal in Sion Grech’s trial.
On January 20, a nine-person jury cleared Ismael Habesh and Faical Mohouachi of murdering Grech and dumping her body in a Marsa field. In a statement, the group said:“We cannot but show our full support to Sion’s family and the LGBTIQ community and women in Malta and note that justice delayed, has been justice denied.”The observatory said it was deeply troubled by:
The length of time that this case took to reach a jury;
The lack of proper preservation and inadmissibility of evidence due to it not being adequately kept at law;The lack of sensitivity towards the victim and the witnesses, in spite of the Istanbul Convention clearly stating that a victim's past should not be used to tarnish the victim’s reputation and credibility; andComments passed about the lifestyle of the victim and witnesses.
It called on the courts to ensure continuous ongoing training to members of the judiciary with regards to their duty.
They had to show sensitivity and understand the requirements set forth by the Istanbul Convention as well as harmful attitudes and the negative impact...