Death of Nicholas Azzopardi
Second inquiry exonerates police
An inquiry led by Judge Albert Manché has confirmed the findings of a magisterial inquiry that the police were not responsible for the death of Nicholas Azzopardi, 38, following a three-storey fall at the back of the police headquarters in Floriana on April 9, a spokesman for Justice and Home Affairs Ministry said yesterday.
Mr Azzopardi sustained grievous injuries which led to his death on April 22. Shortly before passing away, Mr Azzopardi claimed he had been beaten by the police during interrogation and dumped over a wall.
The inquiry by Judge Manché was ordered by the Home Affairs Ministry. It was meant to issue recommendations if certain shortcomings in the way the police operate were highlighted. But since none were identified, no recommendations were made.
A inquiry last week led by Magistrate Anthony Vella established that Mr Azzopardi had jumped over the wall, and a policeman had actually tried to stop him.
"At no point do the allegations made by Azzopardi feature," according to the procès-verbal by Magistrate Vella.
When he regained consciousness on April 18, Mr Azzopardi told his family and friends that he had been taunted and beaten in the lock-up by two policemen. He admitted that he retaliated against one of the interrogators, crushing him against the lock-up's metal door.