Relatives of a terminally-ill inmate seeking a presidential pardon are demanding an investigation insisting they only learnt from the press that the request had been turned down.
Godfrey Ellul, 67, is serving a 20-year jail sentence for drug dealing. After being diagnosed with terminal cancer last summer, he unsuccessfully applied for parole.
He then decided to seek a presidential pardon as a last ditch attempt to be able to spend his final days with his loved ones. Mr Ellul has another six years to serve.
Still hoping for a positive reply, the inmate and his family were shocked to hear on the national TV news on Wednesday night that his request was rejected. His petition was filed by legal adviser Joe Giglio last month.
In line with procedure, the request was submitted to the attention of Justice Minister Owen Bonnici who, by law, must make his recommendation to the President.
“We were very shocked to hear the evening news saying that our plea for a presidential pardon for my brother had been denied. To date, we have still not had any official communication one way or the other,” Mr Ellul’s sister, Betta, said.
Distraught, the family initially thought Mr Ellul had been informed but had yet to contact them. However, it turned out that even he had found out about the decision while watching the TV news, Ms Ellul said.
It is a disgrace that a man in his condition and with life-threatening heart problems should have had to learn about this extremely disappointing outcome while watching the news on his own, in his cell, unable to communicate with his family
“It is a disgrace that a man in his condition and with life-threatening heart problems should have had to learn about this extremely disappointing outcome while watching the news on his own, in his cell, unable to communicate with his family,” she added.
The family then contacted Dr Giglio, who confirmed he had not been told anything either.
Ms Ellul is calling on the authorities involved to look into the matter and offer Mr Ellul and his family an explanation as to how the information was leaked to the press.
“It is shameful that the press was informed first, before either Godfrey or us, his family. We publicly request that an official investigation is opened into how this was handled,” she said.
“Whatever happens, we will not give up fighting for my brother to able to spend the time he has left at home. We will not give up on the hope that compassion and mercy will prevail in the end,” Ms Ellul said. Dr Bonnici yesterday evening confirmed the outcome of the pardon bid, saying Mr Ellul would be informed in the coming days.