Morning Briefing
80 academics call for comprehensive review of jury system
Eighty academics have called for an independent, comprehensive review of Malta’s jury system following the acquittals of Yorgen Fenech and Lorin Scicluna in the murders of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia and Lassana Cissé. In an open letter to the Prime Minister, they urged the establishment of an independent technical committee comprising legal experts, academics, civil society and other stakeholders to examine the system without delay. The academics said the verdicts raised serious questions about public confidence in justice, particularly among minority communities, vulnerable individuals, journalists and those opposing discrimination and abuses of power. They stressed the proposed review was not an attack on judicial independence or defendants’ rights, but a commitment to a fair, effective and accountable system. The review should assess procedures, safeguards, transparency and the system’s ability to deliver impartial justice. (Maltatoday)
MFSA identifies shortcomings in insurance products and customer protection
The Malta Financial Services Authority has identified shortcomings in cost transparency, product oversight and customer-outcome monitoring following two reviews of insurance products. The reviews examined unit-linked life insurance offered by locally authorised insurers and non-life policies distributed across borders. In the first review, covering four providers representing 44.4% of locally offered unit-linked products, the MFSA found weaknesses in target-market assessments, cost disclosures and monitoring of investment funds. Some insurers also lacked sufficient evidence of assessments covering break-even points and customer outcomes, including surrendered policies. The second review examined cross-border products such as travel, gadget, accident and health insurance. It identified inadequate product approval documentation, insufficient justification for costs and commissions, and weaknesses in claims and complaints monitoring. The authority urged insurers to improve governance, provide clearer information on coverage and exclusions, and strengthen oversight to ensure products deliver value for money. (The Malta Independent)
Man accused of money laundering granted bail under €57 million asset freeze
A court has imposed a €57 million freezing order on Nasr Edin Jeray, a 53-year-old Libyan-born Żurrieq resident accused of helping run a money laundering organisation. Jeray pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Gabriella Vella, which also ordered the seizure of four cars and other assets. Police said a financial investigation involving a third party led them to identify Jeray as an alleged member of the organisation. An arrest warrant was requested and he was arrested at his residence on Wednesday. Details of how the alleged operation functioned were not disclosed in court. The prosecution left the bail decision to the court, while the defence argued Jeray had lived in Malta for years and posed no risk to evidence. Bail was granted against a €20,000 deposit, with conditions including a travel ban, restrictions on contacting witnesses, twice-daily signing and a requirement not to commit further offences. (Times of Malta)