Silenced or Settled? The Lulu King Rape Case’s Hush Money Allegation

In the heart of Lulu King, a quiet residential street in Msida, a rape case that shook Malta’s consciousness took a new turn. The victim, a young woman, alleges she was offered money to ‘keep quiet’.

From Outcry to Hush Money: The Lulu King Rape Case

The Lulu King rape case, involving Jordan Azzopardi, has been a grim tale of alleged sexual assault and its aftermath. Azzopardi, a local DJ, was arrested and charged in 2020 following the victim’s brave testimony. Now, a new twist has emerged, with the victim alleging she was offered money to silence her.

According to sources close to the victim, a sum of money was offered, with the alleged mediator saying, “It’s for your silence. It’s better for everyone if this goes away.” The victim, however, refused, stating, “I won’t be silenced. I want justice, not money.”

Money, Power, and the Maltese Justice System

This isn’t the first time money has been alleged to influence a rape case in Malta. In 2018, the ‘Malta Girl’ case saw the victim offered €50,000 to retract her statement. Both cases raise questions about the power dynamics at play when wealth and influence intersect with the justice system.

Dr. Marie-Louise Aquilina, a prominent Maltese lawyer, weighs in, “Offering money to a rape victim to keep quiet is not only unethical but also illegal. It’s an attempt to pervert the course of justice.”

Lulu King: A Community United

News of the alleged hush money has reignited anger and solidarity in the Lulu King community. Residents have been vocal in their support for the victim, with one neighbor saying, “We stand with her. This is about more than one case; it’s about sending a message that rape will not be tolerated or bought off.”

A protest is planned for this Saturday outside the Msida law courts, with organizers encouraging participants to wear purple, the color of solidarity against sexual violence.

As the Lulu King rape case continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the community will not be silenced. They stand united, demanding justice, not hush money.