Headline photo credit: Matthew Mirabelli
TLDR : Albanian national Daniel Muka, a man currently suspected of a double murder almost 2 years ago could be walking out on bail due to a legal loophole. Question is: will anyone pay the bail?
At the time of his arrest Muka was on bail for his suspected involvement in a botched jewellery store heist. It was during this heist where Muka pulled an unregistered gun on 2 police officers approaching him. Fortunately for the police Muka’s proficiency with a gun left a lot to be desired; failing to discharge the pistol and leading to his arrest.
It was following his release on bail after this heist when authorities believed he embarked on the murder of Sliema residents Christian Pandolfino and Ivor Maciejowski. The motive for the murder is yet to be established, however Maltese law allows for a suspect to be granted bail if their case is not resolved within 20 months of their arrest.
But why does Muka’s case remain unresolved?
Muka's initial arrest in 2020 photo credit: Mark Zammit Cordina
Muka has lost his defence lawyer and has not been able to obtain one over the period of the last 3 months. When asked about this fact in the courtroom under the watchful gaze of relatives of the two murdered men, Muka responded with “It’s been three months that I’ve been without a lawyer. I don’t want to continue like this. I too don’t want these proceedings to be delayed…”
The 20 month period is set to expire shortly unless a bill of indictment is filed on time.
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