Let him burn in hell - victim's husband

G. Attard

Dec 30th 2009, 09:22

With such a flawed justice system we have in this country, it would not surprise me one bit if the killer was allowed to be released from prison to die near his family. And 20 years is hardly a sentence for such a horrid crime. I agree with the victim's family about getting capital punishment. In fact I strongly agree with it. In cases like these, I believe it is justifyied. If someone is proven guility without reasonable doubt and is in good mental health at the time of the murder than the death penalty should be considered. It won't heal any wounds for the victim's family, but it surely mean justice would be served.

Carmel Garcia

Dec 30th 2009, 08:07

I agree with Mr Kok and I say also that Mr Gauci, the murderer, must serve a full sentence no matter what sickness he has. He killed and he should serve a full sentence. Jesus Christ done his best to serve his people and still they condemned him to death by crucifiction.

Roderick Micallef

Dec 30th 2009, 06:05

@Marvic Grech,
Don't worry, Mr.Gauci will not die alone if he dies in prison, he has his fellow prison mates to keep him company. You know what the difference is? She died in hospital because she had no choice, she died because some one else inflicted grevious and serious injuries. On the other hand Mr.Gauci brought all of this onto him with his own hands that's the difference.
I believe that human rights should only be given to humans and not to animals, if some one can't be human then he should be denied from having all the human rights because he wasn't human in the first place.
You said, 'heqq he killed that's what life offered him' ok then 'heqq he should stay in prison because that's his place in society it seems'.
For this type of crime, first degree murder with intent the maximum term should be given and no chance should be given to get out before the full term. There are people in prison who have a similar jail term (20yrs or close) and had drugs related offence which in my opinion should have a minor prison term when compared to first degree murder.

e azzopardi

Dec 30th 2009, 02:39

if this case happened abroad, like in the US, he would have definitely gotten the death sentence.

Norman Vella obo Xarabank team

Dec 30th 2009, 00:43

@ those saying that “the Xarabank team should mind their own business”

We are lucky enough to live in a country where freedom of expression is recognised as a fundamental right of every single citizen. In this country, the days when people were shut up are over and buried in history and we have a national across the board consensus with regards this fundamental liberty. So welcome are all opinions everywhere, on this newspaper, on radios, on blogs and on the only local TV programme that gives the opportunity to everyone to speak his/her own mind, that is Xarabank.

The case of Salvu Gauci concerns his family and the victim’s family as much as it concerns the rest of our society. Salvu Gauci was sentenced by the Courts of the Republic of Malta which act on behalf of the Maltese people. He is currently paying his dues to all our society and if pardon is granted, this will be done by the authorities representing the Maltese society.

As stated in my previous post, Xarabank will discuss this case and everyone is welcome to participate in the discussion. What we believe in we practice.

Joseph Borg

Dec 30th 2009, 00:36

This man deserved no sympathy. Let him die in prison like he deserves.

john micallef

Dec 30th 2009, 00:25

i agree 100% with mr kok. all murders should 'burn in hell'. no pardon should be given to monsters who murder people. they are already lucky that in malta there is no death penalty. these are not harsh words, how can a murderer plea for pardon when he / she killed an innocent human being?

Norman Vella obo Xarabank team

Dec 29th 2009, 23:39

@ Andrew Gatt and all

The Xarabank team, as every other organisation and as every other individual in this free democratic country, has every right to express its opinions. More than that, as a journalistic team, we are obliged to bring to the public’s attention current stories and issues. Please note that you are discussing this issue only because Xarabank is the only programme in Malta that gives a voice to everyone and it was on Xarabank that all of this started with the appeal of Salvu Gauci’s sister, Aida.

Since we really believe in the principles of democracy and of free discussion and we always strive to practice these principles in our programmes, we will soon discuss this case in our programme, and everyone is invited to give us a call, book a place, and have his/her say, whatever his/her opinion is.

You can watch our promotion for this programme here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bxLanKOy0o

Thanks.

Norman Vella
Manager, Xarabank team
Tel: 21 249200 Email: info@xarabank.com

Marton Saliba

Dec 29th 2009, 23:17

Let him serve his sentence or die doing so.

Joseph Agius

Dec 29th 2009, 23:00

Kullmin qieghed jappogja ma naha jew ohra kemm mal iprigunier jew il vittma zgur li jekk jimmagina lilu innifsu fil pozizzjoni tal familjari tan naha l ohra ibiddel fehmtu ghaliex jekk tkun fil pozizzjoni tal familjari tal prigunier zgur tkun trid li jinhareg mil habs u jmut mewta dicenti. Izda jekk tkun flok il-familjari tal vittma zgur tkun tixtieq l istess bhall ma jixtieq Peter Kok u aktar.

Marvic Grech

Dec 29th 2009, 22:42

@ Yas Tabone

Is's not giving the go ahead to all sick people, let me tell you this... If you have someone iin your family.. did what he did.. can you imagine him dying alone?.. with no one near him?.. heq he killed thats what life offered to him.. and thats what your calling him a MURDERER. bue he diserve to die in peace.. and im telling you that she died in hospital. So she didn't die alone!!

M Bagley

Dec 29th 2009, 22:40

Why insist that the victim died 29 days later? On the spot or 29 days later, she was murdered, full stop.

Andrew Gatt

Dec 29th 2009, 22:24

Ma' rridx nidhol fil-mertu jekk Salvu Gauci ghandux jithalla johrog mil-habs jew le. Ma huwiex kompitu tieghi . Inhoss li l-awtoritajiet jafu x'inhu l-aktar gust. Li rrid nghid huwa, donnu f'dan il-pajjiz it-team ta' XARABANK sar jifhem f'kollox. XARABANK timmaginah xi isem ta' ditta tal-konsulenza. Kif tista' ma' taqtax qalbek minn dan il-pajjiz ?

yaz tabone

Dec 29th 2009, 22:14

another thing.. by lettin him out its like giving the go ahead to all sick people to do what they want! i mean any one can then say "im going to kill my child and walk away scott free because im dyin"
most things in malta are a joke.. this just can't be one of them!

Maria Galea

Dec 29th 2009, 22:00

They both wish Mr Gauci could have been given the death penalty. They say he was lucky to get away with “just” 20 years.

C Debono

Dec 29th 2009, 21:57

Cancer or not if this guy is let out after serving only 9yrs for murder, then this will only encourage more crimes! After being found guilty for a crime, the criminal knows that he can start working towards getting sympathy and having his sentence reduced! Our legal system is such a joke..

Furthermore, Xarabank is being one sided, focusing on the murderer.. making it seem as if the murderer is actually the victim. What about the real victim's family?? If he wants pardon he can ask a priest for pardon but he shouldn't expect sympathy from the Maltese legal system!

malcolm seychell

Dec 29th 2009, 21:51

Let him die in Prison. I hope the president doesn't give up to these appeals.

We had enough of criminals running free.

yaz tabone

Dec 29th 2009, 21:18

G Mangion are you serious? i don't need to know someone personally to judge AFTER they stabbed someone to death.
if that was my relative i doubt he would have even made it to prison! you can't honestly judge Mr.Peter Kok for bein angry can you?

this is not only directed to the dyin murderer.. but i believe they should serve their sentence to the full! reduced for good behaviour? he only got 20 years!!

j.mifsud

Dec 29th 2009, 20:54

@j.camilleri

if we had to take your advice regarding leaving decisions up to god only, the first thing to do would be.....release all the prisioners and shut down our system of justice.

i am sure the world would be a happier place...........please note the sarcasm

Jon Agius

Dec 29th 2009, 20:34

If he is so weak what's the point of a presidential pardon? He is not going to enjoy anything. There's no liberty by gaining the presidential pardon if he cannot move. The better choice I think is to let his relatives any time they want without any visiting time. You can't blame the victim's husband but who are we to judge.

Michael Neville Cassar

Dec 29th 2009, 20:29

The message which is being given is for the victim’s family to take the law in their own hands .The death penalty would have been a just sentence there is no law that can justify a premeditated act, or murder . Here in Malta the Law is too lenient we have experienced that some citizens are in preference to others under the Law.

Marvic Grech

Dec 29th 2009, 20:24

Your talking about prisoners that they dont have a hea
rth, dont feel love, and they dont have emotions, but please, they ARE HUMAN BEINGS. and for the gesture the prisoners made, I AM SURE THEY HAVE MORE SENSE THAN YOU. if he wanted to kill her, i am sure that he would stab her somewhere alse not in her leg. AND SHE DIED AFTER 29 dAYS. I know all the story and I know that SALVU IS A GOOD HEARTHED MAN

WHO DON'T KNOW THE STORY DON"T COMMENT.

A. Borg

Dec 29th 2009, 20:10

J Camilleri, bhala kattoliku jien nahfer imma bhala cittadin irrid li l-ligi tigi rispettata u fin-nuqqas il-bniedem ghandu jiehu l-pieni li haqqu irrispetivament jekk b'sahhtu jew maghdur. Dawn l-affarjiet misshom rahom qabel.

m.schembri

Dec 29th 2009, 19:43

@j.camilleri

you wrote in your comment if all these people who are giving their opinoins think that they are god and that only god can judge peoples actions, however you did not write that also only god has the right to TAKE lives. it seems that salvu gauci thought that he was god cause he decided to take another persons life.

C Falzon

Dec 29th 2009, 19:42

To me the fact that he is dying of cancer just means that he is getting the easy way out - it just means that he will not serve his full sentence. Letting him out even earlier would be even worse.
When this case was initially reported I was cautiosly sorry for him and had almost made up my mind that he deserves being freed - but that was only until I learned why he was put in jail in the first place.
If it was manslaughter or perhaps even murder 'fis-sahna tal-mument' it might be worth considering release on the grounds of compassion but what he did was cold blooded premeditated murder. At least that is what the court decided and I am not aware of there being any good reason to doubt the court's judgement.
Also very important I think is that someone should investigate why the murder was allowed to happen as from what I read it seems it may have been preventable. Not to find someone to blame but so that there can be improvements made to the system so as to prevent such things happening again.

M. Busuttil

Dec 29th 2009, 19:20

Personally I don't agree firstly that sentences can be reduced because of good behaviour. The victims and their families do not have any reductions in their pains they still have to cope with it through their life!! Secondly this case can just be a first one for other cases in the future. What shall we do? should we take out every prisoner who is dying or he's very sick?? ...and regarding Xarabank, please stay out of this, you already have a monopoly on the Public Tv Mind your business and that is ....TV!! Would they do the same if it was someone who they know a victim?

Roderick Micallef

Dec 29th 2009, 19:04

Personally I believe that God has got nothing to do with this story, for me it's extremely simple. The victim and her relatives will never enjoy each other's company, will never see each other again and nothing can reverse that so why should this person be given a presidential pardon? Why should he enjoy his family before he dies? For me Mr.Kok's and his son statements are more than enough to leave Mr.Gauci locked up. To be honest I am also amazed how come he only got 20yrs for a first degree murder and than some drug related offences get almost the same amount.This is a case where whatever Mr.Gauci or his relatives or friends say, the action and crime he did can never be healed and as Mr.Kok said, this story will only end when Mr.Gauci's life will end whether it's in a week or in a year. If I was the law Mr.Gauci wouldn't have had the worries for a presidential pardon, erga dahhal il-forka u imbaghad naraw!

G. Mangion

Dec 29th 2009, 19:01

At all the Christians who are saying ( Let him burn in hell ) SHAME ON YOU, I bet you don't Really know Mr Salvu Gauci, And you use such hatred in your comments if you are against him so much, no one has the right to make insults with such words. Peter Kok, I sympathize with You too, But if I were you, I wont let my anger turn to Vengeance. Mr. President G. Abela is to decide for this case, and I am sure H.E is going to make a good one.

R Curmi

Dec 29th 2009, 18:46

Tajjeb l ewwel irrovina familja, qatel mara u issa irrida taddi tieghu. U fuq kollox dan kien hiereg kmieni ukoll. Xorta ta gustizja ghanda f dan il pajjiz. Oqtol u il president jaqbes ghalik. Jekk ma ridtx jehel il habs missu ma qadx idur ma triq b sikkina gol butt. Jekk jiehu il mahfra vera ma hawnx gustizja cancer jew le

J Camilleri

Dec 29th 2009, 18:23

I disgust myself in reading most of the below comments. Have you all been promoted to the title of "GOD". NO! you are human beings like everyone else, just like prisoners, murderers and victims. All human beings have their wrongdoings, some grave and some less. Thus, before commenting to leave this person to die alone, take a look in the mirror everyone. A human beings have no right to judge other people. For God's sake he's dying. Only God will judge human actions. A don't tell me if a victim is a relative of yours, because I had friends who were killed, very close friends. I sympathize with Mr. Kok but please, don't think you will feel better if he dies because you won't. Forgiveness can only make you better. Oh, and by the way. I am no saint, but for sure I ' wouldn't leave a moribond in prison.

c. camilleri

Dec 29th 2009, 17:56

I do not see the difference between dying in his cell or in his home. He is a cold blooded murderer and deserves to die in prison. As for the Lockerbie killer his release was not due on compassionate grounds but purely political as there were business interests at stake between the two countries. Xarabank is getting too big and it is time to mind its own business.

Dennis Zammit

Dec 29th 2009, 17:45

To Lisa Seisun. Why released immediately. Your should be ashamed to think that a murder is almost nothing. How about if the victim was a relative of yours? Not withstanding what happens to others, all the murderers should serve their term; cancer or not. The victim was not so lucky nor her family. These murderers should feel lucky that the death penalty was removed.

Massimo Costa

Dec 29th 2009, 17:41

Salvu Gauci should serve his term - if this means that he will die in prison because of cancer, then so be it. The Xarabank team should mind their own business. I don't care how "nice" they say Salvu Gauci is, he is a cold-blooded murderer and he should not be pardoned.

Lisa Seisun

Dec 29th 2009, 17:29

irid jinghad ukoll illi l-qattiel ma riedx joqtola ghamel kollox f sahna ta mument ghax meta trid toqtol lill xi hadd mhux ittih daqqa ta sikkina f kuxtejh imma tiitijielu fi bnadi ohra kif nifimha jien still hux gustifikat il qtil ta din il-persuna imma nemmen illi haqqu jghaddi il ftit gimghat jew granet li baqalu hajj id dar u mhux kordin. kin hawn tant mahfriet lill nies li ma kienx haqqom u li qatlu tant nies innocenti, dan fl-ahhar ta hajtu mghandux jiehu mahfra???

Joseph Stafrace

Dec 29th 2009, 17:28

I can never imagine Mr. Gauci spending his last dying days in a cold cell as his sister is trying to make us believe. I think a compromise can be easily found. A large comfortable room can be made available within such a large complex as Corradino Prisons were Mr. Gauci can spend his last days in peace with his immediate relatives who can also opt to share it with him.

Mike Farrugia

Dec 29th 2009, 17:27

I thank the Lord that I am not the one who is responsible to take this decision. It is painful either way. Amen.

Frederick Attard

Dec 29th 2009, 17:24

It is sad to hear that Mr Gauci has cancer but he is in prison for a reason which we all know.

Cancer or not - Mr Gauci has to serve for his actions irrespective of his condition.

The Media crusaders who are trying to manipulate people's opinion's on this matter should stay out of this. We do not need them reminding us of Christian values to gain their further popularity.

Lisa Seisun

Dec 29th 2009, 17:03

He should be released immediatley, shame on you all that say he shouldnt when he has only few weeks left - dont say you are catholics or christians if you say he should not be released when he has only weeks left. what did he do? you dont think he learnet the lesson????? he killed a person, he made a mistake and even if i dont know him personally i think he learned the lesson. there are many criminals that killed more than one person and are released living their life and others that were sentenced for life after killing innocent people for money and are to be released also after a court appeal and they are going to live a normal life out when they were supposed to die in prison but this man has no chance to live a normal life after this sentence as he is almost dead. give him the chance to be with his family before he dies as he is very sick.

s pace

Dec 29th 2009, 16:52

Our justice system is a farce. A convicted murderer should spend at least 20 real years in jail. The judge probably gave the maximum sentence at the time, so it is not his fault. The system was reformed to the better by minister Tonio Borg later on, with harsher and longer penalties, but I am afraid this administration is undoing everything. Such persons can be paroled after half the sentence.

Our justice system is not protecting the honest. Penalties are not serving much of a deterrence. Do not temper anymore with lack of justice.

Dennis Zammit

Dec 29th 2009, 16:33

Its a pity in our country that many like Fr. Mark Montebello do so much to help the criminals who are in jail as if they where the victims.

It seems that not much is being done to cure the victims and their relatives who keep on suffering all through their life. Certain people think that it is just like s switch; you put off your pain just because the criminal is sent to jail.

Regretfully, the local system like many others consider a jail term as per 8 months serving for every 12 months received less the amount of time spent in prison prior to the court verdict. This is unfair as people like Salvu Gauci could be free after even have the prison term.

In my opinion, if he manages to get the victim back to life . . . give him a pardon; if not let him and his love ones feel the misery the victims' family has been feeling for all these years.

And Mr President, please remember the suffering of the victims and their relatives. Say no to these types of pardons.

Anna Attard

Dec 29th 2009, 16:33

Agree with Mr KOk, he should have taught before he murdered his sister in law........OUR LAWS SUCKS

Adrian Borg Cardona

Dec 29th 2009, 15:25

Can we know what is being done to help the victims? They too are suffering and I would expect that the victims would get some form of comfort too.

r.sacco

Dec 29th 2009, 15:25

forget the cancer. he went in in 2001 and will be out in 2012! 11 years for a murder! why on earth is he serving only 11 years when he was convicted to 20 years! almost half his sentence reduced due to good behaviour! our justice system is not only an ass, it's one big joke!

joe briffa

Dec 29th 2009, 15:24

Mr.Kok and his family is absolutely right in every way,give the prisoner no pardon at all,and al the amnesty everybody talks about does not make sense at all,first I murder a person and then I plead to set me free??? Piet was my neighbour in Holland and he moved for a better life here and ended up stranded because his life was blown to bits by a stupid so called human....let him die in prison the only place where he belongs,and he or she who r in favour of this prisoner,must be also sick.

j.schembri

Dec 29th 2009, 15:23

@ Joseph Galea.........he might have done something wrong ... but he is a human being ... he deserves to die a dignified death.
HE MIGHT HAVE DONE SOMETHING WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????? LOOOOOL

d borg

Dec 29th 2009, 15:21

is it possible that they are even thinking about releasing such a person????? what about his victim and her family?? were they given a second chance?? apart from killing a person in cold blood and not showing any remorse, this person had made his wife's life miserable by constantly beating and threatening her...It's evident that whoever says he should be forgiven and that we're Christians and thus we should forgive has never passed through such an experience... can you realise that saying such things doesnt show much sympathy for the victims???

Such things can never be forgiven

V Azzopardi

Dec 29th 2009, 15:21

I also think that Mr Gauci should die in dignity, but in prison or in hospital. Presidential pardon is not fair after all he did kill. Maybe many of us are not realizing the hurt he has caused this family. Many have said let the victims family decide and they have.

L Buhagiar

Dec 29th 2009, 15:16

@ Joseph Galea

Did he give Mrs Kok a chance to die a dignified death? No... he stabbed her repeatedly and let her to die in the street. Not even an animal would do that because animals kill for survival. It is only "humans" who kill for other reasons (jealousy, pleasure, greed etc) and we call ourselves the superior race. HA!!! I stand by my first comment. He should die in prision.

Christopher Briffa

Dec 29th 2009, 15:06

I fully agree with Mr Kok and his son, he should die in prison and not only because he is terminally ill, but because he has killed an innocent woman in cold blood, therefore he should never walk out of prison as a free man, whether he is sick or not. In cases like this one, were a murder was committed in cold blood I believe that we should have the death penalty or at least life in prison, and in my book life is life, i.e. you will be carried out of prison in a coffin. This country is becoming the jungle that it already is because our lawmakers are all too careful to try to please these self appointed experts in everything like the Xarabank team, Moviment Grafitti and the now censored Dominican friar. These people are only interested in going against the norm for their own glorification so that they stay in the limelight because as we all know, sensationalism sells. Now can anyone please explain how 20 years can be reduced into 9 years?

L.Navarro

Dec 29th 2009, 14:49

Did the murderer give Anna Kok a chance to say good bye to her loved ones and spend last days with them???? So why should he??? Sorry for his relatives as they too are innocent but one has to think the consequences before taking someone else's life. Anna Kok was killed in the streets, no where better than dying in prison!

Ron Saliba

Dec 29th 2009, 14:43

@anthony chircop

by your comments, i see that you never been to prison.

Reading this news story, the tragic thing about it is that the victims can't wait for the prisoner's death, so that they HOPE they move on.
For their sake, i really hope they do, cos i don't really think that it is going to make much difference to their lives.

Michael Darmanin

Dec 29th 2009, 14:42

I think what shocks me the most is that a murderer can get away with it after nine years in jail in Malta. Cancer or no cancer, pardon or no pardon is a short term debate but the long term problematic should be considered! I think in the case of murder or child abuse the jail term handed down should not be reduced in anyway. Think of meeting your wife's/brother's/ mother's/father's murderer in the street after nine or ten years, walking around scott free. the law is truly an ass and if this is really happening in our legal system then we are truly making an ass of peaceful law-abiding Malta! Justice in Malta? What a joke!

Joseph Galea

Dec 29th 2009, 14:25

@ Mario Farrugia. I am willing to offer myself to be beside this prisoner during his last few days in his prison cell. Now will you please petition so I will be allowed to do so. he might have done something wrong ... but he is a human being ... he deserves to die a dignified death.
@ timesofmalta.com. Kindly refrain from publishing such articles at a time when the world celebrates peace. Baby Jesus was born in a manager for us not to end up burning in hell. let us try to understand the christmas concept.

Gerard Cassar

Dec 29th 2009, 14:11

What a strange idea to spend a prison term instead of someone else who committed a crime. Enter this in Malta's criminal laws and we will be the laughing stock of the Universe. Even the devil will hold his belly with laughter.

Mario Farrugia

Dec 29th 2009, 14:09

To all those "do-gooders" out there....
SHUT UP.
If you feel this man should not die alone, then go and join him in prison. Be honest with yourselves first and foremost and think hard, but VERY hard, how YOU would feel had you to be in Mr. Kok's shoes.
Why should Mr. Gauci be freed now? His terminal illness is no reason at all. After all, a terminal illness is an illness by which one knows more or less how much time one has left to live. Now what about the rest of the prisoners who do not have a terminal illness? Do they know when they will die? Maybe they die tomorrow, or tonight, or in an hour's time... should the President grant them a pardon as well just in case their days are unknowingly counted as well??
Some people should try to engage their brain before putting their mouth in action....

anthony chircop

Dec 29th 2009, 14:07

LET HIM DIE IN PRISON IS BETTER DONT FORGET THE VICTIMS OK .LET THERE FRIEND PRISONERS.DO HOW MUCH THEY WANT,FOR THEME ITS HOTEL.

Jesmond Micallef

Dec 29th 2009, 13:43

Mr.John Agius, have you read the rest of the news here today ? It seems to me that "people who have done very bad things are indeed NOT IN PRISON"

Thank you.

C.Gerada

Dec 29th 2009, 13:36

Yeah, I agree with the victim's husband quote. some people forget that behing these prisoners there are victims as well!!!! and I do not want to mentione these people!!!

JPisani

Dec 29th 2009, 13:27

The day that Anna Kok will walk through the door of her husband and hug Mr Kok and her children again, then and only then maybe, should Salvu Gauci’s plea be considered. But until then Salvu Gauci should never walk free out of prison. Only GOD forgives, the rest have to abide with the law. I agree with those who said that 20 years was not a punishment let alone getting a discount of 30%.

John Agius

Dec 29th 2009, 13:01

Jesmond Micallef. And prison is a place for human beings who do very bad things. And there they should stay. By your logic we should set all prisoners free.

A. Borg

Dec 29th 2009, 12:56

Darba waqt diskursata ma habib tieghi li ma kellux tfal kien qalli li kien se jaddotta tifla mir-Rumanija u jien ghidtlu li kieku kont jien la Alla ma taghniex il-Gift li jkolli tieghi naghzel li ma naddotax u dan wiegibni li jien ma stajtx nitkellem ghax jien ghandi tfal u ma nistax inhoss dak li jhoss huwa. Kellu ragun u hekk ukoll ma nistax nitkellmu fuq dan il-kaz x'naghmlu jew ma naghmlux ghax ahna wkoll gallarija qeghdin. Li hass u ghadu jhoss is-Sur Kok hadd minna ma jista jhossu ghax martu qatt mhu se tirritorna lura.

john zahra

Dec 29th 2009, 12:53

Mr. Gauci was found guilty in a court of law. He should do the whole 20 years and not get a 30% discount for being good!!!
The man caused greif beyond imagination of those not involved. He should do his time!

Christian Sciberras

Dec 29th 2009, 12:53

"“The law is an ass, and even more so in Malta,” he says."

Very much agreed.

John Borg

Dec 29th 2009, 12:51

Lil Mr Kok hadd u xejn mhu se jfarrgu jew igibu ghal li kien u daqshekk iehor se taghmillu differenza jekk dan imutx il-habs jew id-dar. Naf li hafna ehfef tghid milli taghmel imma nahseb wasal iz-zmien li Mr Kok jaghzel it-triq tal-mahfra, wara kollox, billi ma hafirx x'ha f'dawn id-9 snin? Hassu xi ftit ahjar? Fl-opinjoni tieghi it-talba ta mahfra ghandha issir lil Mr Kok u mhux lil President jew inkella Mr Kok stess jitlob lil President u fl-ahhar forsi Mr Kok jibda jhoss ftit serhan f'qalbu.

Edward Muscat

Dec 29th 2009, 12:47

May I remind everyone that 'justice' and 'revenge' are totally two different concepts.... so phrases like "let him die in prison" and "let him rot in hell" have nothing to do with 'justice'.

marthese mussett

Dec 29th 2009, 12:47

Mr.Kok,I hope you are reading this.I remember the case.I am on your side 100% and I can even FEEL your pain.I hope that he doesn t get released,your darling wife died a very bad death.As someone already said,IF YOU CAN T DO THE TIME,DON T DO THE CRIME.And what do we do if another prisoner becomes ill,what we let him out...if he killed someone...or raped a child...I lost three friends to cancer in a year,two of them were in their thirties,they did nt die in prison BECAUSE THEY WERE NICE PEOPLE,THEY NEVER KILLED ANYONE.Mr.Kok,my thoughts and prayers are with you and your broken,devastated family.And as for these do-gooders,they should all SHUT UP.If you want to be with him when he dies,go and join him in prison.

Jonathan Schembri

Dec 29th 2009, 12:42

Forgiveness, if at all, does not mean release from prison. We are confusing the two here. Forgiveness is in one's heart. Prison without parole is the correct punishment for a crime like this and it should be served in full.

Mike Borg

Dec 29th 2009, 12:30

Let him die in prison for all the suffering he has brought.
That's what justice should be.
And to all those do-gooders who are saying he should be pardoned, I say that with your actions you are hurting the innocent victims more than they have already been hurt.

S Vella

Dec 29th 2009, 12:29

No one can ever say how long one is going to live, terminal illness or not! He savagely ruined one lady's life, so he better accept the fact that he has no right to enjoy his last few days with his family when he so cruelly and intentionally took this poor lady away from her loved ones.. Bear in mind the hurt and the loss her family are going through especially at Christmas time.. and all throughout the year! A mother can never be replaced and same goes for a loving wife! Well Mr Gauci, just try and be comfortable where at least you still live, unlike the woman you so savagely killed on the street! I am sorry but you need to stay in jail, where you now may think about the hurt you brought on other peoples' lives...

joseph engerer

Dec 29th 2009, 12:27

China is the place to deal with this kind of problems

Jesmond Micallef

Dec 29th 2009, 12:22

I do not agree with a person saying "let him burn in hell".

This person should be released. Remember we are ALL HUMAN BEINGS.

Jesmond Micallef
(Malta - Christmas 2009)

L. Attard

Dec 29th 2009, 12:21

Gauci should have been given capital punishment. Let him rot in jail. Should we all start weeping and feeling sorry for a murder? If society is more strict we wouldn't have all these problems.

C. Bartolo

Dec 29th 2009, 12:15

"....earliest date of release is December 2012, due to remission which reduces a third of a prison sentence for good behaviour"... MY FOOT..

20 yeasrs should be 20 years for everyone. I do not get to pay less taxes for being good... why should a convicted criminal get such a discount... 8 years discounted for being "good" behind bars!. I believe in justice but such things make me wonder if our justice is actually injustice towards the law-abiding citizens.

P. Mizzi

Dec 29th 2009, 12:05

It's bad enough his sentence FOR MURDER was reduced from 20 to 9 years!! If he's to die a prisoner then that is what he deserves!! Leave your compassion for those who deserve it.

N. Gilford

Dec 29th 2009, 12:02

Let him get a taste of his own medicine....... no pitiness!!! He is lucky to die in his bed..... Mrs Kok died on the road!!

L Buhagiar

Dec 29th 2009, 11:59

He should die in prison.

John Williams

Dec 29th 2009, 11:45

I hope for the best of the Justice Court that he is not given a Presidential Pardon, I do not know in person Mr Gauci, but what he has done, is no joke.

We can say alot of things here, but the decision LIES TO OUR PRESIDENT. I REALLY LIKE THIS PRESIDENT WITH ALL MY HEART. AND I HOPE THAT THE DESICION HE MAKES WILL REFLECT MANY ASPECTS.

E.Camilleri

Dec 29th 2009, 11:43

my opinion is that he should serve his sentence in full, why should he serve only 13 out of 20 years, this was not self defence.

JC Caruana

Dec 29th 2009, 11:43

For justice to be fair, judgement is based on the Law and not on the feelings of the victims. It is decided in court in a calm manner without emotion.

Ernest Vella

Dec 29th 2009, 11:29

"Min ma jahfirx mhux se jsib mahfra quddiem Alla." u din temmen jew ma temminiex. Il-gustizzja tal-bnedmin saret...Iva, ghanda tinghata l-mahfra presidenzjali u nitolbu ghalih biex jekk ghadu ma talabx mahfra lill-Alla, jitlobha qabel ma jkun tard wisq. Lill-familja Kok nistedina li hija wkoll tahfer lil dan il-proxxmu biex b'hekk verament jinghalaq kapitlu u ktieb u tibda pagna gdida fejn tassew tikseb il-liberta mill-passat.

Hawnhekk mhux qed nghidu li min jaghmel att kriminali ma haqqux il-kastig...xejn min dan...imma f'dan il-kaz....nahseb il-habs mhux l-ahjar post biex jigi trattat il-cancer u ghalhekk ghandu almenu jittiehed l-isptar...jekk lanqas jiflah jitla t-tarag ahseb u ara kemm jiflah johrog barra...ejjew nuru ftit kompassjoni fejn waqt li tibqa ssir gustizzja imma din tibqa umana...ghax il-bniedem, ghamel x'ghamel bniedem jibqa!

Kompassjoni iwa, imma l-gustizzja trid issir

G. AB

Dec 29th 2009, 11:23

@ M.Caruana

''Rather than a presidential pardon, can the convict maybe get prison leave say for a max of 4 months and his sentence put on hold. Should his condition change for the better (miracles do happen) then he would be back to prison to continue serving his sentence from where it was frozen. ''

with that logic let the miracle happen in prison and let him be released after...

m.schembri

Dec 29th 2009, 11:12

he killed a woman and should serve his sentence till the end

Lorraine Vella

Dec 29th 2009, 11:03

I think that serving '20 years' (which seem to be much much less) is nothing for 4 ruined lives. Beings like him ought to be locked up and have the key thrown. What a shame on Xarabank people! What about the victims? No, his dying in prison won't bring back the victim, but at least the people involved will see that justice is being served. He didn't bother about severing a woman's life so suddenly, then why should we bother that he is dying? Give us a break!

Mark Agius

Dec 29th 2009, 11:02

No prison leave and no presidential pardon. This man stabbed and killed a woman in the street in a premeditated manner. If a pardon is given we would really show what a joke we are as a nation. The family can visit no? They can spend their last moments together within the confines. That's more than the victim's family get and they committed no crime. Life without parole should be the minimum in cases like these.

Dennis Agius

Dec 29th 2009, 10:58

Mr Caruana, sure you don't have anyone close to you that had been murdered..... I do have....... and the pain will never leave you.... so yes let them burn in hell.... I dont have any compassion for the killer of my dear friend in 2001..... i still have anger as on that day.......

sandro pace

Dec 29th 2009, 10:57

I disassociate myself from the 'Do gooders'.

Punishment is not only for reformation or just removing people which are a danger to society. Those are secondary. It has its main natural retributive aspect which will make the aggrieved part comfortable with himself that someone is doing payback justice for him, given that he is prevented from doing so. Forgetting this side, will be an injustice and will cause more grievances and stress to the aggrieved.

There are no moral, legal or societal obligations to forgive. In anycase, the victim's family should have the final say.

Peter Murray

Dec 29th 2009, 10:54

Compassion and benevolence are admirable qualities which are not unilateral,but how did the perpetrator of this horrendous crime extend such to his victim?This request for clemency due to a terminal illness smacks of similarities with the Libyan Lockerbie bomber's release with the outrage the granting of this quite correctly generated. Generosity of spirit is not a one way street and must only be applied when duly earned or on a reciprocal basis-neither of which,I would argue, are warranted in this case.

Adrian Camilleri

Dec 29th 2009, 10:48

Well said Mr. Kok!!! You're not alone........

John Schembri

Dec 29th 2009, 10:45

I agree with Peter and Jan Peter's comments. We are Christians, but giving this sort of treatment to a cold blooded murderer sends the wrong message. Our system is too lax. Xarabank wake up. This man left two young children without a mother. And he took his time and planned the murder. What he is going through now is not even payment for his crime. My compassion goes to you both, and to your daughter.

Andrew Bonnici

Dec 29th 2009, 10:45

i think that what he said are definately NOT harsh words . Regarding Salvu gauci, there is no such thing as being released earlier for "good behavior". for heaven's sake this man killed a woman, and ruined a family, he has to serve his time. and requesting a Presidential pardon is ridiculous!

C. Busuttil

Dec 29th 2009, 10:44

I cannot but sympathise with Mr Kok. I also agree with his line of argument but not on the harsh words put forward, but this is only because I was fortunate enough not to pass from the hell he has.

Mr Gauci is serving a sentence handed down to him as per the Maltese Justice system. Hence any outside interference in such instance will lead to anarchy and worst of all precedent which is even tougher to turn away from once applied.

Justice has to be made with the victim’s family (although no payback will ever apply), with the criminal, the latter’s family (their suffering is also on his conscience. He should have thought of them before dragging them down with him) and also with the Maltese people, for Justice served is only a sign of a lawful society.

The last point made does not however confirm that legislation presently in place is necessary updated or fair to all stakeholders, but only that we must respect judgements as handed down for the sake of being an orderly Nation.

Terms handed down under judgment are neither negotiable nor subject to any unforeseeable circumstances developing especially when a life has been taken.

M.Caruana

Dec 29th 2009, 10:39

Rather than a presidential pardon, can the convict maybe get prison leave say for a max of 4 months and his sentence put on hold. Should his condition change for the better (miracles do happen) then he would be back to prison to continue serving his sentence from where it was frozen.

I can understand Mr. Kok's grief and feelings - and I am sure that if it was me in his shoes, I would act, feel and say the same things. Infact I totally do not agree with the Xarabank team calling for a presidential pardon. He cannot be pardoned for what he did, but he can be given prison leave for a period of time to die (if it will be the case) with his family. Mr. Kok - you do not get your beloved wife back by leaving this man die in prison and you might in future feel you could have been more humane. Thing is, future does not allow you to change the past, so best do what you have to do now. Not forgive, not forget, but show compassion - in the opposite way the convict showed towards your wife.

Joe Azzopardi

Dec 29th 2009, 10:35

I am sorry for Mr Gauic but let us not forget that he took another human being's life. I think he belongs in prison not because he is a threat to society but because he committed a crime that can not be compensated for. He should be made to feel responsible of his actions to the end.

Horace Galea

Dec 29th 2009, 10:29

And who can blame her husband for saying that? I would say exactly the same thing, probably even more, had I been through what he and his family have had to suffer all these years. Justice must run its full course as otherwise the victims will very rightly feel cheated. Murderers are already being over-pampered at the Corradino Hilton and then have their sentences halved by some authority.

david calleja-urry

Dec 29th 2009, 10:29

Reading through this interview, the raw pain, grief and irrepairable damage done to this family is plain for all to see - at least it is to me - i cannot but agree 100% with everything Mr Kok and his son have said - and if this makes me look unchristian in the eyes of some, so be it. Any crime against an innocent party is bad - taking the life of a person is, to me, simply unforgivable - and can someone please explain how somebody can murder another person and walk free after 9 or 10 years?... this is a general question and not specific to this case.