Roberto Montalto, the lawyer who once stood in defense of Daphne Caruana Galizia, now finds himself embroiled in a scandalous debacle of his own making.
Roberto Montalto
In a shocking turn of events, Montalto has been granted bail for the staggering amount of €10,000 following an arraignment on charges of assaulting a woman. Under the watchful eye of Magistrate Astrid May Grima, he must report to the Sliema Police Station every single day.
Magistrate Astrid May Grima
The Court, in an effort to protect the victim from further harm, has enforced a strict Protection Order against Montalto, preventing him from approaching or tracking the victim’s movements.
Yet, in a brazen act of defiance,on Friday, Montalto was reportedly spotted at a Valletta coffee shop where the victim had already been. Was this a mere coincidence, or a blatant disregard for legal restrictions? One can only hope that the victim has informed the authorities about this apparent breach of the Court order.
Authorities, take note: this bold-faced audacity cannot go unchecked. How long will Roberto Montalto be allowed to flout the law, risking the safety and security of the victim? The very thought that he might continue to act with impunity sends shivers down the spine.
If found guilty of violating legal prohibitions, Montalto faces the prospect of a hefty €7,000 fine or a prison sentence of up to two years, or potentially both.
This saga demands immediate investigation and action to assure the public that justice will not only be served but seen to be served. Montalto’s actions must not be swept under the rug; the law applies to all, without exception.
