The Chamber issued a statement yesterday saying that it agreed “in principle” with the government’s white paper and the changes it envisions, calling it “a step in the right direction”.

That being said, this step “is not enough”, the Chamber stated, adding that it believes that the concept of life sentences for those convicted of trafficking illegal substances no longer has a place in the Maltese society, and further more, in Malta’s laws.

“The time has come for the parties represented in parliament to acknowledge that this punishment is draconian, it no longer exists in democratic countries and it should be removed from the criminal code in Malta,” it continued.

The Chamber also added that it is in agreement with government’s proposal suggesting that individuals accused of trafficking could could choose between being tried by jury or by judges.

With regards the amount of drugs that would qualify an accused to be arraigned before the Rehabilitation Board, the Chamber feels that the number proposed shouldn’t be set in stone, but rather serve as a “benchmark” so as to avoid injustices caused by the numbers-based system.

Do you agree with the Chamber’s stance?