An Attack on Judge Hayman Unworthy of Church Media: Whatever Happened to God’s Mercy?

Reading this article in Newsbook, the Catholic Church’s official media outlet attacking Judge Hayman, one question immediately came to mind. Is this the same Church that preaches that God’s very name is mercy? Where is the misericordia in this article?

I might accept such an article in a secular newspaper, but it is unacceptable when published by a media house owned by the Roman Catholic Church. I will not enter into the question of whether Judge Miriam Hayman is a performing judge or not. I once had a case before her. She was very fair. This type of attack should not originate from a Church that constantly preaches mercy. Otherwise, its teachings risk appearing hollow.

The reality is that this media outlet is led by individuals closely associated with Austin Gatt. Its editor enjoys direct access to certain magistrates and judges. Furthermore, His Grace Archbishop Scicluna has taken a direct interest in the issue concerning the Chief Justice, having subtly supported the candidature of Wenzu Mintoff, whose position has since become controversial.

Under Archbishop Scicluna’s leadership, the Catholic Church finds itself in a far more difficult position than it did under Archbishop Michael Gonzi. Gonzi, at least, was perceived as defending principles he genuinely believed in. By contrast, the Church today is being used, or allowing itself to be used, to disseminate allegations against sitting judges for political reasons. As explained by Anna Mallia, a practising lawyer in the post below, Judge Hayman requires more time to deliver judgments because of the complex nature of the cases assigned to her by the Chief Justice. Incidentally, our chief justice is well-inserted in Malta’s ecclesiastical circles, and this site has published articles in the past that have never been denied that he is or was a member of the Opus Dei.