Casa urges Jean Paul Sofia public inquiry in letter to Council of Europe Commissioner

MEP David Casa has written to the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, calling for scrutiny on the Maltese Government’s persistence against launching an independent public inquiry into Jean Paul Sofia’s death.

“When a person’s life is taken or lost, the state has positive obligations to conduct an effective investigation into the death of one of its citizens,” Casa said in his letter, further stating that there were “compelling reasons for an independent, public inquiry into the death of Jean Paul Sofia.”

He echoed Jean Paul Sofia’s mother claims that a magisterial inquiry was insufficient to fulfil the Government’s requirements under international law.

“His mother deserves closure. She deserves to know precisely why her son is no longer with us, what led to his demise, whether the regulations were breached that were meant to keep him safe, and whether individuals are responsible and answerable for her son’s loss.”

“The Maltese state has obligations towards its citizens, and has absolute obligation to uphold the right to life,” Casa declared. “This means to effectively, publicly and independently investigate loss of life, including the extent of state responsibility. His mother must be meaningfully included.”

Casa concluded with an appeal to ensure that no more families are forced to be dragged through the political arena to fight for their fundamental human rights.