Cutting through the smoke

and the spin. "Getting down to brass tacks," if you will.

One of my former editors asked me to write a few paragraphs about the past year from the perspective of the Maltese courts. Just in case it isn’t published in its entirety (or at all), this was my reply:

“My best story of 2024? For a year as eventful as this one was, that's a tough one to pick.

The biggest court story of 2024 is undoubtedly Joseph Muscat and co finally facing some form of accountability for their various roles in the abominable swindle that was the hospitals deal. But that prosecution may well come to naught, as important cases involving politicians and their mates often seem to do, once in court.

But I’m picking the story from which I drew the most inspiration and strength this year, and believe it or not, it is my report on Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea Curmi’s message to the judiciary at a mass, marking the start of the new court year. 'Be an uncomfortable presence for those who don’t want to be conscientious,' was his key message, emphasising the collective responsibility to confront wrongdoing.

The judiciary’s role in this struggle might be better enunciated in the letter of the law, but really, it’s a responsibility we all share and every person who stands firm against any form of wrongdoing is contributing to the goal of a just society.

Incidentally, this is also the intention of the legislator- the “spirit of the law”- because the ultimate purpose of law is social harmony: the deterrence of injustice by punishing those responsible should an injustice happen. Ensuring that laws serve their purpose beyond mere technicality -by fostering a culture of accountability and integrity - is an important part of this.”

Reader, you’re smart enough to figure out the rest.

Have a great 2025.