Man’s Obsession: Probation for Cyberstalking

Imagine walking down Republic Street, Malta’s bustling heart, and feeling your phone vibrate with an incoming message. You glance at the screen, expecting a friendly ‘hello’ from a friend, but instead, you’re met with a barrage of words from an ex-partner who just won’t let go. This was the reality for a local woman, whose former partner’s relentless messaging has now landed him on probation.

The man, a 35-year-old resident of Msida, was recently handed a probation order by the courts after admitting to sending hundreds of messages to his ex-partner over a period of six months. The messages, filled with pleas, threats, and even declarations of love, left the woman feeling harassed and frightened. She eventually reported him to the police, leading to his arrest and subsequent court case.

Malta’s laws on cyberstalking, or ‘harassment by electronic means’, are clear. The Criminal Code states that anyone who sends messages or makes calls with the intention of causing fear or distress can face up to six months in prison, or a fine. In this case, the man’s persistent messages, which continued even after he was warned to stop, left the court with no choice but to impose a probation order.

Magistrate Dr. Donatella Frendo Dimech highlighted the seriousness of the offence, stating, “The accused’s actions caused the victim significant distress and fear. This is not a trivial matter, and such behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Local NGOs like ‘Shelter Malta’ and ‘Women’s Rights Foundation’ have been at the forefront of supporting victims of cyberstalking and domestic violence. They urge anyone experiencing such issues to reach out, reminding them that they are not alone and that help is available. Prevention, they say, lies in education and awareness, encouraging open discussions about healthy relationships and boundaries.

Dr. Denise Bonnici, Director of ‘Shelter Malta’, says, “We need to change the culture that normalises obsessive behaviour and makes victims feel guilty for setting boundaries. We all deserve to live free from fear and intimidation.”

, it’s crucial that we continue to raise awareness about cyberstalking and its impact on victims. We must also ensure that our laws remain strong and that perpetrators face the consequences of their actions. Let’s strive to make Malta a place where everyone can live free from fear, whether on our bustling streets or in the digital world.

If you or someone you know is experiencing cyberstalking or domestic violence, please reach out to ‘Shelter Malta’ on 179 or the ‘Women’s Rights Foundation’ on 21240666.