Domestic Violence Allegations Emerge Against Notary Robert Aquilina: Judicial Discretion Sparks Controversy

In the last few hours, serious allegations of domestic violence have surfaced against Robert Aquilina, a notary and prominent public figure known for his vocal stance on the rule of law.

Robert Aquilina

According to police sources, the Domestic Violence Unit was called in after a disturbing incident at Aquilina’s residence, where loud screams were reportedly heard by an officer stationed on a fixed police point outside his home.

Eyewitness accounts state that Mrs. Aquilina emerged visibly distressed from the residence, while Mr. Aquilina attempted to prevent her from leaving and assured police that nothing had occurred. Nevertheless, Mrs. Aquilina was escorted to a police station where she filed a formal report.

In her statement, Mrs. Aquilina accused her husband of locking her in a bedroom, threatening her, and physically assaulting her. She claimed that this behaviour has been ongoing for years, alleging that Mr. Aquilina is highly controlling—monitoring her phone calls, questioning her contacts, and confining her until she provides the information he demands.

As per standard procedure in domestic violence reports, a risk assessment was conducted. The severity of the case, according to sources familiar with such assessments, would ordinarily lead to the immediate arrest and arraignment of the alleged perpetrator.

However, in a controversial decision, Magistrate Kevan Azzopardi chose not to order Mr. Aquilina’s immediate arrest, citing that this was the first official report filed against him. This deviation from established practice has raised concerns among legal experts and victims’ advocacy groups, who argue that the move potentially places the alleged victim at further risk and undermines public confidence in the legal system.

The apparent leniency shown in this case—despite the presence of corroborating police testimony and a formal victim report—has prompted questions about judicial impartiality and whether Mr. Aquilina’s standing as a notary of the Curia influenced the outcome.

Authorities have so far refrained from commenting publicly on the matter. Calls for transparency and equal application of the law are growing louder, as the public awaits further developments.