Minister Open to Periodic Review of Jury System Following Cisse Verdict

2 November 2026, 15:00

Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield has suggested that Malta's trial by jury system should undergo periodic discussion and review, following public controversy over a recent high-profile verdict.

Speaking to journalists at the Police Academy in Ta' Kandja, the minister was asked about potential legal reforms in the wake of the acquittal of former soldier Lorin Scicluna, who had been accused of the murder of Lassana Cisse.

Scicluna was cleared of murder charges more than seven years after the fatal shooting of Cisse in Birzebbuga in 2019. The verdict prompted widespread public scrutiny and renewed debate regarding the functioning of criminal trials in Malta.

When questioned on whether the government intends to alter the current jury framework, Bedingfield remained non-committal regarding immediate legislative action. He pointed out that any future changes would need to form part of a broader, holistic overhaul of the justice system rather than a hasty reaction to a single case.

The minister also defended the historical role of the jury system in criminal justice. He noted that the mechanism was originally introduced to ensure citizens, rather than sole arbiters, participate directly in evaluating serious criminal charges.

Despite defending its underlying principles, Bedingfield acknowledged that legal procedures require ongoing evaluation. He maintained that open discussion on how the jury model operates in practice remains necessary as circumstances evolve.