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I read in your newspaper about the correspondence over bail applications in Malta. Many of these opinions are very controversial! But from my personal “first-hand” experiences in UK, if a defendant is refused bail and is remanded in custody (at the Magistrates’ Court), he/she may then apply to a Judges’ Court and if he/she is further refused bail again, he may apply to the High Court Judge in Chambers as many times and as long as he/she has a change in circumstances, etc.
A defendant in custody may also apply from prison by simply filling up special forms (which are supplied by the Prison Authority and is aided by the Legal Department and/or Social Worker in prison). The application for bail is processed and sent to the Judge in Chambers – Bail Application Department. This is done by Legal Aid Department personnel and no costs are incurred. The prisoner is given a Judge’s Reply within 3 to 4 days. Why is this procedure not taken up in Malta?
Jean Aguis
Attard
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