How An Allegedly Failed Swiss Politician Evaded Full Justice in Malta
A Swiss man was recently convicted of sexually harassing a hotel employee in Malta, with his identity kept secret after he claimed, or perhaps exaggerated if not fabricated, to be a “politically exposed person.”
Were the Maltese police and courts misled into granting this protection and did they allow an individual with no political influence to evade the full consequences of his actions?
The 59-year-old man was found guilty of sexually harassing a cleaner at the Corinthia St George’s Bay hotel. After the incident, the man admitted to the charges in court and was handed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for three years. Additionally, a three-year restraining order was issued in favour of the victim.
However, the most notable part of this case was the decision to withhold the man’s identity based on his status as a “politically exposed person.”
The prosecution and court agreed to protect the man’s name, citing the potential damage to his career. But this was done despite his minimal political involvement, as he had failed to secure a seat in the municipal elections in Ascona, Ticino, and had never held any significant political or professional role.
A report from the Swiss tabloid Blick uncovered the truth behind the “politically exposed” claim. The article pointed out that the man was merely a small business owner who had run for a local office but was unsuccessful. His only political involvement was a failed bid for a seat in the Ascona City Council and yet he convinced the authorities in Malta that revealing his identity could have grave repercussions on his career.
This revelation has left court insiders stunned, as it is rare for the Maltese courts to protect the identity of convicted individuals unless there are truly compelling reasons. The case raises concerns about the potential for political figures (whether truly influential or not) to manipulate the legal system to protect their reputations.
The case presents a troubling question about the efficacy of the Maltese justice system in dealing with claims of political exposure. The man’s alleged status as a “politically exposed person” was never verified, and it is now clear that he allegedly had no significant political role.
This case not only highlights the serious issue of sexual harassment but also raises important questions about the safeguards in place to ensure that those with influence, whether real or fabricated, are not able to escape justice.
As Malta continues to grapple with issues of political exposure and accountability, this case serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and vigilance in upholding the law.