PD insists ‘culture of impunity needs to be addressed’

“The culture of impunity in our country is definitely increasing through all levels in society,” Partit Demokratiku insisted yesterday, observing how “we have had three murders within the past fortnight and it appears that suspended sentences are still the order of the day for incidents where injuries are caused by weapons.”

Partit Demokratiku said it believes that whether the injuries are serious or life-threatening should not be the point, but, rather. the danger which is posed and the mentality behind it.

“Merely apologising, or being forgiven by the victim will not heal the wounds – be they physical or emotional – and weak sentencing will not serve as a deterrent either. Harsher sentencing in order to discourage such violent behaviour is a must.”

Partit Demokratiku noted that the law already provides for imprisonment, but there is no minimum sentence stipulated, which is why the Courts can apply suspended sentences.

“In this regard,” PD said yesterday, “there should be the introduction of an article of law that mandates effective prison sentences in such cases where any weapons are used, unless there are exceptional and attenuating circumstances such as legitimate self-defence.

“Moreover, the Chief Justice, in conjunction with all the judiciary, could draw up a minimum sentencing policy to be applied by all Magistrates. This policy should be aimed at stamping out repeat incidents by effectively applying a deterrent. The wording should be framed in a way that gives the judiciary more power to deal effectively with violent crime.”

PD stressed the importance of attempting “to eradicate this anomaly by applying a standard that is used by all Magistrates, since at the moment, one Magistrate might send an offender to prison, while another might apply a suspended sentence.

“It is important to pursue the highest standards in the Rule of Law.”