Seven Years Later: Lassana Cisse’s Family Still Seeks Justice

In the heart of Ħamrun, a bustling town in Malta, stands a humble house. It’s here that the Cisse family lives, their lives forever changed by a tragic event that occurred seven years ago. Lassana Cisse, a 29-year-old man from Senegal, was found dead in his apartment in Rabat on the morning of October 14, 2014. Despite the passage of time, his family continues to seek justice, their anger and disappointment echoing through the quiet streets of Ħamrun.

Lassana’s Last Day

Lassana, a hardworking man who had come to Malta in search of a better life, was last seen alive on the evening of October 13, 2014. He had dinner with friends at a local restaurant in Rabat and then returned to his apartment in Triq San Pawl, a narrow street lined with traditional Maltese balconies. The following morning, his lifeless body was discovered by his roommate. The police were called, and an investigation was launched.

An Investigation Marked by Controversy

The initial autopsy report suggested that Lassana’s death was due to natural causes. However, this conclusion was met with skepticism from Lassana’s family and friends. They pointed out that Lassana was in good health and had no known medical conditions. they alleged that Lassana’s apartment showed signs of disturbance, suggesting a struggle.

The family’s suspicions were further fueled when they discovered that Lassana’s phone was missing. They believed that the phone could contain crucial information about his last moments. Despite their pleas, the police did not recover the phone, and it remains missing to this day.

In 2016, the family engaged a private investigator, who uncovered evidence suggesting that Lassana may have been the victim of a violent crime. This evidence, however, was not pursued by the police. The family’s lawyer, Joseph Giglio, has since accused the police of negligence and bias, stating that “the investigation was botched from the start.”

Justice Delayed, Justice Denied

Seven years have passed since Lassana’s death, and his family is still waiting for answers. They have held numerous protests, including a recent one outside the law courts in Valletta, demanding justice for Lassana. His mother, Awa Cisse, who traveled from Senegal to Malta for the protest, tearfully stated, “I just want to know what happened to my son. I want justice.”

The case has also drawn the attention of international human rights organizations. Amnesty International has called on the Maltese authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into Lassana’s death. They have also expressed concern about the treatment of migrant workers in Malta.

In response to these allegations, the Maltese police have maintained that the investigation into Lassana’s death is ongoing. However, the family and their supporters remain skeptical, pointing to the lack of progress in the case.

The Cisse family’s quest for justice shows no signs of abating. They have vowed to continue their fight until they get the answers they deserve. Their resilience is a testament to their love for Lassana and their belief in justice. As Awa Cisse put it, “I will not stop until I get justice for my son. He deserves it.”

Meanwhile, the case of Lassana Cisse serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by migrant workers in Malta and elsewhere. It underscores the need for fair treatment, proper investigation, and justice for all, regardless of their nationality or background.

If you have any information about Lassana Cisse’s death, please contact the police on 112 or the family’s lawyer, Joseph Giglio, on [phone number]. Your information could help bring closure to this seven-year-long saga.