‘I Feel Daniel Meli’s Parents’ Pain’: Robert Abela Proposes New Extradition Law
Prime Minister Robert Abela has suggested he is ready to propose changes to the law that would make it possible for allied malware seller Daniel Meli to avoid extradition to the US and face justice in Malta.
On ONE TV’s Paperscan today, Abela described Meli’s case as “legally complex”, particularly since the 27-year-old had initially agreed to the extradition.
However, he said the government is considering updating Malta’s extradition laws to allow suspects to retract their voluntary extradition decisions or for courts to reconsider these decisions, particularly in light of special circumstances.
“It is a legally complex but one must look at the case from the eyes of a father,” Abela said. “I feel his parents’ pain, particularly when you hear about the individual’s backstory. My task is to find out how I can utilise government structures as well as possible, while respecting the principle of rule of law.”
“If the youth allegedly slipped up, the question should be why he shouldn’t get judged in Malta, and if he is found guilty, why he shouldn’t should serve his sentence in Malta.”
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Daniel Meli’s parents have publicly urged the government to take action to stop their son’s extradition to the US and ensure he faces charges and potential sentencing in Malta instead.
“He will be sent to America alone. No one will see him. No one will help him,” his mother Lucienne Meli Bellizzi told Lovin Malta. “There are very degrading prisons with a high rate of violence. Dirty prisons, a lot of murder, overcrowded, practically non-existent medical care. When you realise that your son might be sent there, you start to understand that there is a good chance he will never return.”
The government has said it is closely monitoring the developments in Meli’s case.
“While it is essential to unreservedly respect the judicial process, which is currently at the stage of a Constitutional Appeal, the government is taking into account the judgments already delivered by the Maltese Courts, as well as the declarations regarding Mr Meli’s health, considering the unique nature and legal complexities of the situation,” it said.
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