Letters to the editor – June 30, 2026

Rape allegations

John Attard Montalto of Sliema writes:

I am concerned that a growing trend is taking shape. It is becoming fashionable that young persons, usually visitors, are reporting they have been raped, the alleged aggressor being arrested and accused in court. In such cases, the principle of innocence takes opaque shades. This especially when there is no corroborating evidence.

In a recent case, a girl confessed she made such a report when her intentions and motives were completely different. In another case of which I am aware, a migrant alleged she was raped in order to remain in Malta during the trial (which never took place), extending her stay by virtue of a long drawn out court procedure.

The law courts. File photo: Matthew Mirabelli

The most alarming case is of an alleged rapist sentenced to five years in prison. He sought my counsel, although I am no longer an active lawyer. It became obvious that the person was completely innocent. The case had been judged without verification of CCTV, which contradicted the very version of the alleged rape made by the supposed victim. The opinion of two medical experts who found no evidence of the allegations were rejected. The accused was completely acquitted on appeal. It turned out this false accusation was not even the first and that the accuser had reported such an event in that person’s country of origin.

It is an uphill struggle proving one had not committed an offence one is accused of. This especially there are only contradicting versions.

Those facing such accusations are always remanded in custody and, often, months go by before bail is granted. It would be wise for the investigation to analyse all available evidence before deciding to press charges.The trauma of being at the receiving end of a false accusation will be an indelible shadow for the rest of one’s life.

The truth

Carmel Sciberras of Naxxar writes:

Kevin Cassar’s articles are well researched. They are usually very critical of Labour. I do not believe there has been any successful libel charges against Cassar. 

One, therefore, assumes he is bravely telling the truth despite frequent, base attacks by the Labour trolls.