Malta’s Prime Minister has urged the island’s courts to be firm with those who “do not respect society” just days after the island was rocked by the senseless killing of 30-year-old Pelin Kaya.

Praising the work of police officers who apprehended a murder suspect within minutes of the crime, he now turned to the courts, urging them to act just as strongly.

“I only hope that the bravery shown by the police officers can be shown by the courts,” Abela said. “Where they send a strong message that everyone in Malta is waiting for, one that looks at the security of the Maltese.”

“I can’t comment on any specific case, but I expect our courts to be firm with those that do not respect society, as well as on things like bail processing and the giving of the sentence – that is what the people expect.”

Abela said that this week’s Gżira rampage not only shocked him, but “angered” him.

“We saw an episode that this country doesn’t stand for.”

He doubled down on urging the courts to not let police work go to waste.

“We cannot have a police force working overtime only to be demoralised by seeing their work go to waste with some decision… we need to be a society that takes care of each other, and anyone who does not do this must face the consequences on justice – consequences that will be harsh.”

“In Malta, everyone has the right to live in peace.”