Upholding the legal process
The web of diabolical connections that fostered the climate of impunity, which then facilitated Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder, has given rise to a widespread climate of suspicion. The culture that was allowed, encouraged even, to take root on Joseph Muscat’s watch is now forcing many law-abiding citizens to look suspiciously at every person who holds some form of power, be it political, regulatory or commercial. Those involved in the governance of the country and the upholding of the rule of law must take it upon themselves to prove they can be trusted to fulfil their duties without fear or favour. Those holding high office must consistently prove, by both word and deed, that when it comes to fulfilling their obligations to the public they serve, they are whiter than white. Any declaration about wrongdoing or conflict of interest needs to be viewed within this context, irrespective of the source. When a lawyer recently raised the possibility of conflict of interest in a judge who was about to decide on a bail application by Yorgen Fenech, he was reflecting a suspicious society that, once bitten, is now twice shy. By his decision, the judge in question laid to rest the doubts...