Mamadou Kamara’s Family Takes State To Court After A Decade Long Struggle For Justice

The tragic death of Mamadou Kamara, a 32-year-old Malian migrant, while in Maltese custody in 2012, has sparked a decade-long fight for justice led by his family.

Kamara died in a detention service van after reportedly being kicked repeatedly in the groin. Sergeant Mark Anthony Dimech and Gunner Clive Cuschieri were charged with Kamara’s murder, but the case is still ongoing.

Despite the charges, both men were released on bail and maintained their employment with the Armed Forces of Malta.

An independent inquiry in 2014 found that excessive force by the personnel led to Kamara’s death. However, no repercussions for those responsible have been implemented, and Kamara’s family has not been kept informed about the investigation.

Gordon Pickard, an Armed Forces of Malta soldier, testified in court about the events leading to Kamara’s death. He recounted Kamara’s unruly behavior in the detention center, his escape, and the subsequent chase, highlighting the excessive force used during his recapture.

The ongoing fight for justice in Kamara’s case underscores the need for transparency, accountability, and reform in the treatment of detainees and the use of force by state personnel.

Pickard’s testimony has been crucial in shedding light on Kamara’s final hours. As a bombardier stationed at Ħal Safi detention center during the time of Kamara’s death, he had direct insight into the situation.

Kamara’s behavior was reportedly disruptive, causing tension amongst fellow detainees. The decision was made by Sergeant Dimech to place Kamara in isolation for his safety and that of others. However, during the process, Kamara escaped, leading to a pursuit by Dimech, Cuschieri, and Pickard.

Pickard’s account provides a disturbing picture of Kamara’s recapture. He described witnessing Cuschieri kicking Kamara as he tried to stand, an action that the forensic expert Mario Scerri concluded led to Kamara’s death through a vasovagal attack triggered by blunt trauma.

Upon their return to the detention center, Kamara was handcuffed and placed in a van, where he later became unresponsive. Despite initial disbelief due to past instances of detainees feigning unresponsiveness, a doctor confirmed Kamara’s death, leaving the officers in shock.

Kamara’s family has engaged in a protracted battle for justice, with no significant progress to date. Despite the charges against Dimech and Cuschieri, both men remained on the Armed Forces of Malta’s payroll until 2018, with one still in service.

In the wake of Kamara’s death, there has been a call for a thorough investigation and accountability for the actions of state personnel.

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