Maltese Lawyer: ‘Absurd’ That An Exorcist Testified In ‘Satanic’ Rape Trial
A Maltese lawyer has raised concerns about the validity of having an exorcist take the stand as a witness in court.
Martina Caruana of PB&C spoke to Lovin Malta about the dangers of rhetoric used in the most followed and graphic case in Maltese courts so far in 2023, dubbed the Satanic rape trial.
The case, which began in 2019, has seen prosecutors bring an exorcist in to testify in the disturbing trial, which involves a man who allegedly raped his girlfriend’s mother while under the guise of “satanic” voices.
“I’m especially concerned about the ‘demonic process’ narrative, particularly having an exorcist take the stand,” Martina Caruana explained.
“It is absurd to me that an exorcist testified in a criminal trial, giving an ‘expert’ opinion that there was satanic activity at the victim’s home. That testimony should not be considered as legitimate evidence. This is because satanic activity is not a scientifically verifiable concept and lacks any evidentiary basis.”
“The use of the term ‘demonic possession’ as a defense (or not) for the perpetrator’s actions can raise a number of legal issues. The concept of “demonic possession” is not recognized as a valid legal defence and has no evidentiary basis. Therefore, it cannot be used as a defense in a court of law.”
Additionally, she added, the use of this kind of language can be seen as an attempt to excuse the perpetrator’s actions and can be seen as a violation of justice. The publication of graphic details of the trial and assertion of “demonic possession” as a cause of the perpetrator’s actions can also lead to prejudice and bias in the court process.
“This can result in an unfair trial for both parties involved, not to mention a re-traumatisation for the victims,” Caruana said.
Because an exorcist would not typically be considered an expert in the legal sense, the lawyer continued, their expertise would not be relevant to the case on any scientific or evidentiary basis.
“In terms of providing ‘supernatural’ evidence, the legal system operates on the principle of evidence-based reasoning and must rely on facts and evidence that can be verified and proven through scientific methods,” she said.
Martina Caruana from PB&C
“Therefore, any evidence or testimony based on alleged supernatural activity should not be admissible in a court of law as it lacks any scientific or evidentiary basis”.
In similar foreign judgements, courts have rejected this kind of testimony as it would not be relevant to the case and would not meet the standard of admissibility of evidence.
Lastly, there is the issue of “reasonable doubt”, a legal term used in criminal trials.
This refers to the standard of proof required for a criminal conviction. The prosecution must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, meaning that the evidence presented must be so strong that there is “no other logical explanation” for the events in question other than the defendant’s guilt.
“Therefore, an ‘expert’ opinion of an exorcist about satanic activity, as previously stated, would not be considered as valid evidence and would not be able to provide a “reasonable doubt” as it lacks any scientific or evidentiary basis,” she finished.
What do you make of an exorcist taking trial in court? Let us know below
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