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

In the heart of Ħamrun, a small town in Malta, lies a quiet street where the Cisse family lives. Their lives, however, have been far from quiet since 2015. That year, their son and brother, Lassana Cisse, was brutally killed, and seven years later, his family is still waiting for justice.

Lassana’s Tragic Death

On the night of 12th October 2015, Lassana, a 27-year-old man from Senegal, was found unconscious in a stairwell at a block of flats in Ħamrun. He had been severely beaten and later died in hospital. The crime shocked Malta, sparking outrage and demands for justice.

Lassana was a well-known figure in Ħamrun. He worked at a local restaurant, was active in the local football team, and was loved by many. His death left a void in the community that remains unfilled.

Failed Justice

The police arrested two suspects, both Maltese nationals, in connection with Lassana’s murder. However, both were later released without charge due to insufficient evidence. The case was sent to court in 2018, but it was dismissed due to lack of evidence.

Lassana’s family and friends are devastated. They feel that justice has not been served, and they are still seeking answers. “We are angry and disappointed,” says Lassana’s sister, Aisha Cisse. “We want justice for Lassana. We want to know who killed him and why.”

Community Support and Calls for Change

The Ħamrun community has rallied around the Cisse family, organizing protests and vigils to demand justice for Lassana. Local politicians and NGOs have also joined the call, urging the authorities to do more to solve the case.

Malta’s Minister for Justice, Equality and Governance, Edward Zammit Lewis, has assured the public that the case is still being investigated. However, the family and community are growing impatient. They want action, not just words.

“We need to see results,” says Ħamrun Mayor, Paul Borg. “Lassana’s family deserves justice, and our community deserves closure.”

Lassana’s case has also sparked conversations about racism and xenophobia in Malta. Lassana was black, and some suspect that racism may have played a role in his murder. The case has highlighted the need for more dialogue and understanding between Malta’s diverse communities.

Seven years is a long time to wait for justice. But the Cisse family and the Ħamrun community are not giving up. They are determined to keep Lassana’s memory alive and to fight for justice until they get it.

“Lassana was loved by many,” says Aisha. “We will not rest until we get justice for him. We will not forget him, and we will not give up.”

If you have any information about Lassana Cisse’s murder, please contact the Malta Police on 119 or anonymously through the Police Hotline on 110.