PN in favour of a full reform regarding what happens to reports from magisterial inquiries

The Nationalist Party said that it is in favour of a full reform regarding what happens to reports from magisterial inquiries (known as procès-verbal) that are sent to the Attorney General by the Inquiring Magistrate in cases of unnatural deat

By: independent.com.mt

Oct 14 2024
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PN in favour of a full reform

Earlier in the day, Isabelle Bonnici, the mother of Jean Paul Sofia, who died in a construction site collapse in Kordin, 2022, has launched an appeal to Prime Minister Robert Abela and Opposition Leader Bernard Grech to make changes to the law about inquiries in unnatural deaths.

The PN insists that it should be the exception, not the rule, that reports from magisterial inquiries are not provided to the legitimate family members of the victim, a statement, signed by PN MP Karol Aquilina read.

"It is a serious lack of respect and sensitivity for the Attorney General to request a fee for the victim's family to receive a copy of the report prepared by the Inquiring Magistrate and which has been sent to the Attorney General according to established procedure. This practice must end once and for all, and the Attorney General should never place obstacles in the way of the victims' families in uncovering the full truth about their loved ones' deaths," the PN statement read.

The PN also said that it "strongly believes that it is the duty of the Attorney General, upon receiving a report from a magisterial inquiry, to immediately approach the victim's family, provide them with a copy of the report prepared by the Inquiring Magistrate, and inform them of any actions she intends to take in this regard. Likewise, the Attorney General should always consider making these magisterial inquiry reports public, without any charge, especially when they contain information that could help prevent further deaths and tragedies."

"As Isabelle Bonnici so rightly said, magisterial inquiry reports are a significant source of information that can help improve practices in workplaces and beyond, ensuring that the systems in place in our country can be improved to prevent further deaths and tragedies."

The PN said that it is also in favour of the necessary changes to the country's laws so that, "by the force of law, the Inquiring Magistrate not only has the right but the duty to keep the victim's family informed about the progress of the inquiry, with all the required legal safeguards according to the circumstances of the case."

"Today, PN Leader Bernard Grech made contact with Isabelle Bonnici and expressed the PN's support for the principle of greater transparency and that no fees should be demanded in such circumstances. Bernard Grech will be meeting with Jean Paul Sofia's mother in the coming days to continue discussing her requests."