Constitutional case adjourned as Silvio Valletta reports sick
The constitutional case instituted by the family of murdered journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia for the removal from the investigation of Assistant Police Commissioner Silvio Valletta was yesterday morning adjourned after the latter reported sick.
The Caruana Galizia family is demanding that Valletta does not form part of the investigation, claiming that his involvement in the investigation could breach their right to a fair hearing. Valletta is the husband of Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana. Both had been harshly criticised by Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Deputy Commissioner Valletta, together with his wife Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana, had been targeted by harsh criticism by Ms Caruana Galizia.
The constitutional case was filed against the Police Commissioner, the Attorney General and Silvio Valletta, who is also the head of the Criminal Investigations Department.
When the case got underway this morning, lawyer Victoria Buttigieg, from the office of the Attorney General, informed Mr Justice Silvio Meli, who is presiding over the case, that Valletta – the only witness to be produced by the respondents – was unable to attend because he was sick.
Mr Justice Meli said this was a “lack of respect towards the justice system,” adding that the respondents should have filed an application informing the court beforehand.
The court adjourned the case to a later date this month, instructing the respondents’ lawyers to present a medical certificate for Valletta in the next sitting.
Lawyers Jason Azzopardi, Therese Comodini Cachia and Eve Borg Costanzi are appearing for the Caruana Galizia family. Lawyer Victoria Buttigieg from the AG’s office is counsel to the respondents.