Chamber queries new inquiry into police beating allegations

The Chamber of Advocates has called on the government to clarify why it felt the need to appoint Judge Albert Manche' to hold an inquiry into the death of Nicholas Azzopardi when Magistrate Antonio Vella is conducting a magisterial inquiry into the same case.

Mr Azzopardi's family is alleging that Nicholas Azzopardi died as a result of a beating he suffered at police headquarters. The police have said he tried to escape custody and hurt himself when he jumped over a high wall behind headquarters.

The Chamber in a brief statement said there should not be duplicate processes on the same case because of the potential risk of conflicting conclusions.

It was also important not to give the impression that there was lack of confidence in the judicial process, the Chamber said.