‘Anger and disappointment’: No justice for Lassana Cisse yet, seven years on

In the heart of Ħamrun, a bustling town in Malta, stands a simple white cross. It marks the spot where Lassana Cisse, a young man from Senegal, lost his life seven years ago. Today, his family and friends still wait for justice.

What Happened on that Fateful Night?

On the 24th of December, 2014, Lassana was celebrating Christmas Eve with friends at a Ħamrun apartment. A heated argument led to a fight, and Lassana was stabbed. He was just 22 years old. The man accused of his murder, a Maltese national, was arrested but later released on bail.

Seven Years of Waiting

Seven years have passed, and the case remains unresolved. Lassana’s family in Senegal, and his friends in Malta, are left with nothing but questions and a deep sense of injustice. “We are angry and disappointed,” says Lassana’s cousin, who now lives in Malta. “We just want justice for Lassana.”

Lassana’s case is not an isolated one. Malta’s justice system has been criticized for its slow pace, with some cases taking decades to resolve. According to the latest data from the Malta Police, there are currently over 1,500 pending murder cases.

Cries for Justice

Lassana’s friends and family have been vocal about their frustration. They’ve held protests, organized vigils, and even started a petition. “We won’t stop until we get justice for Lassana,” says one of his closest friends in Malta. “He deserves peace, and so do his family and friends.”

The case has also drawn attention to the issue of justice for migrant communities in Malta. Lassana’s family in Senegal feels that the Maltese justice system has failed them. “We are foreigners, but we deserve the same justice as anyone else,” says Lassana’s uncle.

Malta’s Minister for Justice, Equality, and Governance, has acknowledged the issue, stating, “We are working to improve the efficiency of our justice system. We understand the frustration of Lassana’s family and friends, and we are committed to ensuring that justice is served.”

The case against the accused is currently being heard in court. Lassana’s family and friends hope that this year, finally, they will get the justice they’ve been waiting for. “We just want to see the person responsible brought to justice,” says Lassana’s cousin. “Then we can start to heal.”

In Ħamrun, the white cross stands as a silent witness to Lassana’s untimely death. It’s a stark reminder of the need for justice, not just for Lassana, but for all those waiting for closure.