Libyan accused of rape

Joseph Pace

Jan 12th 2009, 08:41

@ R Mamo

Whenever I'm a guest I am extra careful and do my best not to offend my host in any way, and I never overstay my welcome.

That is why I distinguish between a local and a foreign offender.

R Mamo

Jan 11th 2009, 07:43

Don't notice the same amount of criticism when Maltese commit the same crime and even worse

to buy there way out.

Just an observation.

Joseph Pace

Jan 11th 2009, 00:49

@ a mifsud

true, but it does not mean that he was here legally either. In any case Libyans need a current Visa to stay here. If he is convicted he should be declared a persona non grata as soon as his Visa expires and should be treated as such. We do not need criminals of any nationality, but fellow Europeans have a right to stay here in the same way that a Maltese criminal has a right to stay in any other European country. I'm no legal expert but it seems that we are stuck with Steve Marsden, but if we can get rid of non-Europeans why not?

Helena Psaila

Jan 10th 2009, 21:54

Sickening - how can someone find enjoyment in another's misery?

Thankfully, these days rape cases are treated seriously, and the victim is not asked to consider whether she provoked her attacker.

Charles J Zammit

Jan 10th 2009, 21:36

If the accused is found guilty of the charge brought against him .The punishment meeted out should be the same punishment that would be given in his own country for the same offence . If the charge is proved and found guilty of rape there should be not an iota of mercy .

a mifsud

Jan 10th 2009, 21:03

"If he is found guilty by a court of law he should be subject to a large fine, then sent back to libja so the Maltese public don't have to support him." Joseph Calleja

For anybody who read my comments about Mr Marsden's conviction, and who thoroughly criticised me, for importing ecstasy(or not) this is exactly what I mean. What is the difference between an English criminal and a Libyan one? Nowhere does it say that he is here illegally.

David Muscat

Jan 10th 2009, 20:04

@ J Calleya

Now your comments are clearer. Can't blame the times though. They have to tread a fine line to keep within the law. At least they are giving us space to post our comments. It would be a shame if it were to stop because they fall foul of some law or libel case. Not that your comments were such, but I understand the times as the comments are hosted on their site..Sometimes they removed some of my comments too. Better some moderation than no comments section. i thank the times for providing us with a means to air our opinions.

Joseph Calleja

Jan 10th 2009, 19:10

@Mr Muscat and Mr Gatt
First of all I agree with you as far as punisment goes but the Times omitted half of my letter for obvious reasons. I suggested other punishments...leave it at that. When it comes to rape I'm not that forgiving.

Joseph Schembri

Jan 10th 2009, 19:07

Sentencing one person to 'set an example to others' is cruel and unfair punishment. If our society deems fit to 'punish' criminals then the punishment should be in proportion to the crime.

David Muscat

Jan 10th 2009, 18:17

@ J Calleja
No. They should not be able to buy their way out of jail. A stiff sentence should be given to act as a deterrent. That goes for any Maltese too. Last year 22 people were arraigned in court on charges of rape. 6 were Afriacan.(PQ 4464 Data: 26/11/2008)
This year seems to be repeating last year's trend. Can anyone explain why Africans are overrepresented as regards rape?

Anthony Gatt

Jan 10th 2009, 18:15

@ Calleja:

I strongly fail to agree. If guilty, he should be punished for his atrocity and moreover, his punishment used to set an example to all those who share similar convictions. This society has 0 tolerance towards rape and abuse, no matter where you're from or what your culture (or lack thereof) dictates! In the sentencing of such cases, may our judicature appropriately reflect this fact!

louise vella

Jan 10th 2009, 18:05

Comments would be superfluous.

Joseph Calleja

Jan 10th 2009, 17:58

If he is found guilty by a court of law he should be subject to a large fine, then sent back to libja so the Maltese public don't have to support him.