NGOs Announce Protest Against Magisterial Injury Reform In Valletta Next Wednesday
A group of NGOs have called a protest outside Parliament for next Wednesday at 6pm against the government’s proposed magisterial inquiry reform.
The NGOs – Repubblika, Occupy Justice, Fondazione Falcone Malta, Aditus, the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation, Vuċi Kollettiva and PEN Malta – said they want to make one final appeal to MPs not to pass this bill.
The bill will remove the right of citizens to directly request a magisterial inquiry, obliging them to first file a report with the police. If they’re dissatisfied with the police’s progress after six months, they can then ask a judge to consider calling a magisterial inquiry.
“The rule of law requires crimes to be investigated by a state that doesn’t show favouritism,” the NGOs said.
“ While we appreciate the work that institutions do, we also know that when it comes to crimes whose investigations could have political consequences, our institutions are often captured and ineffective.”
“In a democracy, citizens should take part in the quest for justice, and it is tyrannical of the government to try and block them from doing so.”
“The way the bill is composed goes against democracy, the rule of law and the Constitution. We invite all citizens of goodwill to join us in front of Parliament and make their voices heard in a sincere appeal for country not to seriously regress.”
Will you attend this protest?
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