Experts unable to analyse court exhibits

Recently exhibited court documents requiring scientific testing risk deteriorating as the forensic laboratory is at a standstill following a stop order issued by the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) on Friday.

Sources close to the forensic laboratory explained that the three experts who served at the laboratory yesterday reported for work at the Finance Ministry (since they fall under the ministry) where they were allocated a room to carry out their duties.

The courts sent documents to the room in question to be analysed forensically but, due to the lack of equipment and facilities there, the tests could not be carried out and the exhibits could not be preserved in an appropriate manner.

This could be detrimental to all those involved in the court cases - suspects, accused or victims - and, ultimately, to the detriment of the justice system which continues to be slowed down, the sources said.

Some exhibits, such as drug exhibits, the sources added, had been sent back to the courts. The exhibits that had been sent for testing before the stop order was issued remained locked in the laboratory.

Until yesterday afternoon the three experts - Mario Mifsud, Godwin Sammut and Robert Cardona - had not been informed of any developments and the situation has now been referred to the Chief Justice.