The repression of terrorism under Maltese law

Abstract

This work analyses the vast array of legal tools which Malta as a small island and as a Member State of the European Union uses in order to suppress but most importantly to prevent terrorism. Throughout this project I examine the legal tools arising not only from a national level therefore delving into our own Criminal Code however also those legal tools arising from an International level such as those which Malta has adopted from both the United Nations and the Council of Europe. Malta, due to not only its location but also its size makes it quite a vulnerable island. As we all know dealing with terrorism is not some easy task and therefore it requires several tools in order to combat it. However sometimes no matter how many tools one country has introduced into their legal system, these still fail. So far, we could technically say that regarding terrorist attacks, Malta has been quite lucky. However this does not put our mind at rest and there is no doubt that we appear somewhere on Isis’s list. This work brings forth amendments made to our law in order to make for a more effective corpus juris. It also sheds a light on a great amount of Conventions which have been implemented into our law and which date back all the way to the 1960’s. Briefly, the main aim of this work is to clearly lay down those laws which aim to combat and prevent terrorism which have already been introduced into our law and to also lay down those laws which also aim to combat and prevent terrorism however are not yet adopted by our law. The reason for this is to not only show that Malta’s status in combating terrorism is very proactive however to also shed a light on those legal instruments which should be adopted by our law as they have not yet been.