PN Calls For Independent Inquiry Into Nicolette Ghirxi’s Murder
The Nationalist Party has backed a call by Nicolette Ghirxi’s family for an independent inquiry into whether her murder could have been avoided.
“It cannot be that a life is lost and her family is denied the truth,” PN leader Bernard Grech said.
“The PN joins Nicolette Ghirxi’s family’s call for an independent inquiry to find out what more could have been done by the State to prevent Nicolette’s death.”
“It is only by conducting an independent inquiry and then fully committing to implementing all the necessary changes that we can ensure things improve and other women are protected before it is too late.”
A similar inquiry had been carried out following the 2022 murder of Bernice Cassar, allegedly by her estranged husband Roderick Cassar.
The inquiry found that the state failed to protect the victim, and recommended changes to the domestic violence risk assessment process, which were implemented.
Ghirxi’s family lawyer Joseph Borda said that since in this case the perpetrator, Edward Johnston, is dead, a magisterial inquiry will only preserve evidence, which is not enough to serve Nicolette with justice.
Concerns have been raised about the manner in which the police handled Ghirxi’s harassment reports against Johnston. Emails published by Borda show that the police had called Johnston in for questioning, but Johnston mockingly told them that he was overseas and needed to top up his tan in Dubai.
Should an independent inquiry be held into Nicolette Ghirxi’s murder?
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