The mother of Jean Paul Sofia pleaded for politicians to “vote with their conscience” as MPs decide whether to support her call for a public inquiry into the death of her son.

Isabelle Bonnici was speaking outside parliament an hour ahead of the vote, expected to take place at 7pm on Wednesday.  

She was supported by friends, members of the public and University of Malta students, who held a banner saying 'Justice'.

Her 20-year-old son was killed in December in a construction site collapse at Corradino industrial estate in Paola. He was found dead under the rubble after a 14-hour search.

Isabelle Bonnici shed tears as members of the public joined her for a vigil ahead of the vote. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

She has campaigned for a full investigation into the circumstances around the case, which is also subject to a criminal inquiry.

The Nationalist Party filed a motion in parliament calling for a public inquiry. However, it was amended by the Labour government, removing any reference to a public inquiry and instead urging a speedy conclusion to the ongoing magisterial inquiry.

A child holds aloft a homemade banner calling for justice for Jean Paul Sofia. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

“I am pleading to all the members of parliament to vote with their conscience,” Isabelle Bonnici said, standing near the entrance.

“The people have spoken, nearly 20,000 signed my petition. I pray you listen to the people and live up to your role as members of parliament.”

University of Malta joined Jean Paul Sofia's mother outside parliament to support her campaign. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

In a later update to the Jean Paul Sofia campaign page on Facebook, supporters wrote that the Speaker had stopped Bonnici from taking a placard showing her son's face into parliament. 

The petition Bonnici referred to started five days ago and gathered 19,560 signatures from people calling on the government to call for a public inquiry.

Bonnici has been campaigning for MPs to vote in favour of a public inquiry into her son’s death for the past few weeks.

Sofia’s parents have also demanded compensation from all those involved in the project.