This newspaper reported that “A 46-old-lawyer was yesterday accused of threatening to kill his estranged wife.... the court ordered a ban on the publication of the couple’s names in an effort to protect their three children, one of whom is a minor”.

Is a professional, a lawyer in this case, more equal than us lesser mortals in Maltese society?

The protection of children is often an excuse and not agood enough reason not topublish the names of the accused in line with the right to freedom of information.

When I was threatened in the past, I had to lodge a report at the local police station and then wait for two months in fear of reprisals till the matter was settled in court.

The newspaper report added: “The police take such reports very seriously.”

Would it not make more sense for the police to restore order there and then by having the accused apologise to his victim on the spot instead of the lengthy and inefficient court process which leaves the victim at the mercy of the aggressor?

That is how it is done in more civilised countries like Canada, where I lived most of my life. Of course, policemen in Canada are respected as the true long arm of the law and not as some uniformed individuals one is free to attack and insult on a daily basis, as happens here.

Can we have some true justice in Malta, please?