Sion Grech’s Murder Was Femicide, Malta Observatory Says Appealing For Faster Court Action
The Malta Observatory on Femicide has regarded Sion Grech’s murder as femicide while appealing to Malta’s courts for faster action.
It expressed its concern on “the latest acquittal of Sion Grech’s femicide trial” saying that it is “deeply troubled by the length of time that this case has taken to reach a jury”.
“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 Malta Observatory on Femicide said in a statement.
It also said it is concerned with the lack of proper preservation of evidence and inadmissibility of evidence due to it not being properly kept at law, and the lack of sensitivity towards the victim and the witnesses, despite that the Istanbul Convention clearly states that the past of the victim should not be used to tarnish the victim’s reputation and credibility.
“For these reasons, we call on the courts to ensure continuous ongoing training to its members of the judiciary with regards to their duty, as well as sensitivity and understanding of the requirements set forth by the Istanbul Convention and harmful attitudes and negative impact of gender stereotyping.”
It also called upon the Chamber of Advocates and the Faculty of Laws to provide ongoing training to lawyers and all those working in the legal profession with regards to re-victimisation, the effects of harmful attitudes, and negative impact of gender stereotyping as well as obligations set forth by various laws and treaties.
“We call on the government to provide the courts with a more expedient and efficient mechanism.”
“We call on the state to ensure that there is an ongoing awareness-raising campaign on the Istanbul Convention as well as a better understanding of the needs and compassion towards those most vulnerable in our society.”
The Malta Observatory on Femicide was established back in 2018 as part of the European Observatory on Femicide.
What do you make of these calls?
READ NEXT: Watch: Pelin's Last Moments Captured As She Celebrates Her Birthday
